Social psychology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Social psychology deals with human beings in interaction with their social, cultural and physical environment. The course aims to give students a good understanding of the social psychology of key areas with regard to the theories and methods used in these areas and that the student will develop basic skills in planning, implementing and reporting psychological research. The course covers the theory and empirical evidence regarding social cognition, ie. how humans categorize and interpret themselves, other people, social events and situations in the environment. Attitudes, prejudice, social influence, conformity, prosocial behavior, aggression and leadership groups and highlights. Theory and empirical integration through presentations of current research and laboratory work. In addition, integrated substance theory with methodological and statistical theory in a social psychology project.

Expected learning outcomes

After the course the student will:
• Be able to describe theories about how human beings interpret their own and others' behavior in social situations.
• Be able to describe theories of attitudes and Omar's delay has arisen, how they are related to conformity and social influences, what effects they have and how to influence them.
• Be able to compare on the basis of theoretical considerations, the emergence of pro-social and aggressive behaviors. Able to describe the positive and negative effects these behaviors have been, and how they may be affected.
• Be able to describe theories of group formation, groups, ways of working, how leadership arises, the effects of different types of leadership at the group's way of working and effects of cooperation, competition and conflict within and between groups.
• Be able to explain theories on the impact of different types of communication have on the interaction between people both in and outside groups.
• develop skills in extracting relevant information from scientific literature and communicate this through oral presentation.
• Develop skills in planning, implementing and reporting a social psychological study on the basis of social psychological theories and fields presented in the course

Required Knowledge

Introduction to psychology including basic statistics and research methodods corresponding to at least 15 ECTS or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper Secondary course English A. 
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the 
level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course is given in seminar form. Content focus is on reading and discussing theories and studies in social psychology in order for the student to develop a critical mind and increasing knowledge in how humans influence and are influenced by others.

Examination modes

Examination is partly through a written exam (the theory part), and through oral and / or written presentation of laborationsmoment. On the written exam is one of the grades are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction(VG).

A student who has failed twice on an examination can request from the Board of Under-graduate Studies in Psychology that another teacher is appointed to grade the project work. The student is entitled 5 examinations within two years after the first registration occasion. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts must have been passed. The grade is an integrated judgement of the results from all examination parts, and is given when all parts have been passed.

Academic credit transfer
Crediting will be tested on an individual basis. The application should be sent by the student to the university registry (Registrator, Umeå universitet, 901 87 Umeå) that will provide a registration number. The application will thereafter be sent to the responsible department. The responsible Study Director will decide on credit transfer or a course/course part. Confirmed copies of course certificate or corresponding certificate should be included, in which information about education establishment, date, subject area, level and number of credits is provided. In addition, the application should include the course syllabus and literature list for the course/course part, and, when appropriate, a copy of the project report.