Module: Social Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Social Psychology
Module Code	PSY1007 (ITS: PSYC102)
Faculty	Psychology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To provide the student with an introduction to the study of social psychology, utilising a synthesis of the cognitive and social and individual and group influences that shape social behaviour. To present to the student, in a comprehensive and meaningful way, key influential social psychology studies alongside contemporary and cross-disciplinary developments that have impacted on many areas of life, including education, health, and counselling and clinical psychology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the core concepts of social psychology
2. Develop an understanding of the social psychological perspective on human behaviour
3. Critically reflect on explanations for some aspects of human social behaviour
4. Identify and recall key research findings, theories, and studies in the field
5. Develop skills in the communication and application of social psychological concepts

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Online activity	20	Asynchronous lectures and other content
Directed learning	10	Synchronous online discussions
Tutorial	1	Online discourse based tutorial
Independent Study	48	Lecture review and preparation/independent learning
Independent Study	46	Independent assessment preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11463	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Maggie Brennan	Module Teacher	Louise Hopper

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	30%	n/a
Essay	n/a	70%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

What is social psychology?

The self

Attitudes and attitude change

Attitudes and behaviour

Group processes

Social influence

Prejudice and Discrimination

Prosocial behaviour

Aggression

Affiliation and attraction

Friendship and love

Indicative Reading List

Books:

David G. Myers, Jean M. Twenge: 0, Social Psychology, McGraw-Hill Education, New York,
Michael A. Hogg,Graham M. Vaughan: 0, Social Psychology, Pearson, Harlow, England:,
Aronson, Elliot, Aronson, Joshua: 0, The Social Animal, Worth Publishers,, New York,
Crisp, R.J., & Turner, R.N.: 0, Essential social psychology, Sage, London, UK,
Miles Hewstone,Wolfgang Stroebe,Klaus Jonas: 0, An Introduction to Social Psychology, John Wiley & Sons,
Fiske, S.: 0, Social beings: Core motives in social psychology, Wiley, New York, NY,

Articles:

0: Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 37681, 1
British Journal of Social Psychology: 37682, 1,
37683: 1, 0, European Journal of Social Psychology,
1: 0, Journal of Applied Social Psychology,
0: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 37686, 1
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: 37687, 1,
37688: 1, 0, Journal of Social Psychology,

Other Resources

None