Module: Social Psychology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Social Psychology
Module Code	PSY1019 (ITS: PSYC118)
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 many social influences at both the individual and group level that shape social behaviour; To present to the student, in a comprehensive and meaningful way, influential social psychology research, alongside contemporary and cross-disciplinary developments at the forefront of psychology and disruptive technologies that have impacted on many areas of life, including health, education and social change. Adopting a novel approach to immersive and authentic learning, students can have the opportunity to engage with stakeholders in a mini-hackathon, and immersive concentrated multi-day complex delivery options with a companion research skills module.

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; can take Immersive Multi-day format.
Workshop	8	Synchronous in person workshops
Tutorial	5	Combination of in-person and online activities.
Group work	8	Mini-Hackathon
Independent Study	38	Lecture review and preparation/independent learning
Independent Study	46	Independent assessment preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11469	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
Participation	Participation in a mini-hackathon and artefact production including a report on proposed solution(s). Eportfolio.	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:

Myers, D.G., Abell, J., & Sani, F.: 2020, Social Psychology, 3rd, McGraw-Hill Education, Europe, Middle East & Africa, 9781526847928
Aronson, E. & Aronson, J.: 2018, The Social Animal, 12th, Worth Publishers London, UK, 550, 9781464144189
Fiske, S.: 2018, Social beings: Core motives in social psychology, 4th, Wiley, New York, 9781119492733
Michael A. Hogg,Graham Vaughan: 2017, Social Psychology, 8th, Pearson London, UK, 9780273764595
Myers, D.G., & Twenge, J.M.,: 2019, Social Psychology, 13th, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, 9781260397116
Scott, B.A., Amel, E.L., Koger, S.M., & Manning, C.M.: 2021, Psychology for Sustainability, 5th, Routledge, 9780367480691
Steg, L. & de Groot, J.I.M.: 2019, Environmental Psychology: An Introduction, 2nd, Wiley-Blackwell, 978111924108

Articles:

0: Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 42388, 1
British Journal of Social Psychology: 42389, 1,
42390: 1, 0, European Journal of Social Psychology,
1: 0, Journal of Applied Social Psychology,
0: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 42393, 1
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: 42394, 1,
42395: 1, 0, Journal of Social Psychology,

Other Resources

None