Module Directory

Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of Sociology and Psychology, which is concerned with the interrelations among individuals, groups, and society. More specifically, it studies how individuals interact with one another, the way individuals influence social groups and vice versa, as well as the dynamics of intergroup relations.

This module will provide an introduction to a number of theories and themes in sociological social psychology that link the wider social structure with individual personality and conduct. It aims to provide an overview of the principle theoretical approaches to social psychology and how they may be applied to the understanding of social life.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an overview of the theoretical perspectives, classical and contemporary theories and research in sociological social psychology, critical social psychology and psycho-social studies.


• To introduce major social psychological concepts and research methods in social psychology.


• To foster an awareness of the current issues and debates within the field.


• To broaden understanding of the dynamics and social interaction and social action.


• To explore how the theoretical perspectives and research methods in social psychology may be applied to the study of social life.


• To understand how quantitative and qualitative research methods can be applied to social psychological questions.


• To develop presentational and critical writing skills.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Understand how social psychology has developed as a discipline.


2. Understand and reflect upon how social psychological theories can be applied to real-life social situations and human behaviour.


3. Understand different methods for studying the social world in a social psychological way.


4. Develop the tools to critically engage with key classical and contemporary social psychological theory and psychoanalytic theory.


5. Reflect upon how social psychology can be used to understand everyday life and how we come to know about ourselves and others.

This module will be devoted to an examination of contemporary perspectives on social psychology. We will begin by examining theories of the self and what constitutes an 'identity'. We will then look at individual attitudes and how they and linked to behaviour, and the shortcuts people use to facilitate judgment of others in an increasingly complex world. We will look at contemporary views of emotion, attraction and interpersonal relationships. We will then look at social influence, and what motivates people to be obedient and to conform to social norms. We will finish up the module by looking at problems associated with intergroup relationships such as stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination, and aggression, and what motivates people to be altruistic, applying concepts and theories that can be applied to criminology from a social psychological perspective. Throughout the term, we will examine the ways in which different methods have been used to address issues in contemporary social psychology.

This module will be delivered via

• One 2-hour seminar each week.

Face-to-face attendance is expected.