Unit information: Social Psychology and Individual Differences in 2017/18

Unit name	Social Psychology and Individual Differences
Unit code	PSYC20001
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6)
Unit director	Professor. Rowe
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Psychological Science
Faculty	Faculty of Life Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

This unit develops your knowledge of social psychology and individual differences in behaviour. It is structured around a number of key themes in these areas, including social cognition, person perception, broad behavioural traits and abilities (i.e. personality and intelligence). Evolutionary psychological approaches to social cognition, and cognitive and biological mechanisms that underpin personality and intelligence will be considered.

The aims of this unit are to build on Year 1 Social Psychology and the principles of social cognition and individual differences. Topics can include: psychological testing and its application to trait theory, the role of empirical evidence in the formation of theory and how theory guides the collection and interpretation of empirical data.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

1. Describe the topic and methodological approaches to the study of social psychology and individual differences, including evolutionary and cultural approaches, cognitive and biological mechanisms, and psychometric theories.
2. Explain the application of these approaches to the study of specific areas of psychological science.
3. Identify these methodologies in other areas of psychological science.
4. Appraise the conceptual and historical issues in the subject matter of this unit and their relationship with other areas of psychological science.
5. Demonstrate the skills necessary to stage a seminar-based presentation.

Teaching Information

Lectures, revision session, and seminars (presenting at one of the seminars).

Assessment Information

One 1600-word essay (20%); one oral presentation (20%) and one 2-hour written exam (60%).

Reading and References

Essential none

Recommended

Fiske, S. T. & Taylor, S. E. (2013). Social cognition: From brains to culture (2^nd ed.). London: Sage.

Mackintosh, N. J. (2011). IQ and human intelligence (2^nd ed.). Oxford: UK: Oxford University Press.

Matthews, G., Deary, I. J., & Whiteman, M. C. (2009). Personality traits (3^rd ed.). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Additional recommended and further reading will be made available through Blackboard