PYMCSID-Social Psychology and Individual Differences (Conversion)

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Only available to students on the MSc Psychology Conversion programme.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Pape
Email: e.l.pape@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a focus on the interplay between the two disciplines. Specifically, students will examine various aspects of social cognition, perception and behaviour, with considerations as to how these can vary as a function of individual differences (for example, culture, gender, and personality). While the module covers contemporary topics within social psychology and individual differences, it simultaneously acknowledges the historical developments in both disciplines. This module is delivered at the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼.Ìý

Aims:

This module will deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of core topics within social psychology and individual differences. It aims to facilitate students’ understanding of the complex interplay between typical social phenomena and individual differences within those phenomena, and does so by familiarising students with theories and research in these domains.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Describe and critically evaluate key areas of research in social psychology and individual differencesÌý


• Explain how individual differences interact with situational factors to shape social cognition, perception and behaviourÌý


• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of specific areas within social psychology and individual differences


• Demonstrate abroad understanding of social psychology and individual differences

Additional outcomes:

This module will encourage students to think holistically in relation to psychological evidence, and to consider the complex interplay between two distinct disciplines. Students will also gain an insight into the historical developments within the fields of social psychology and individual differences.Ìý

Furthermore, the teaching and assessment methods will encourage the development of various competencies and skills. For example, the seminar activities may include teamwork, opportunities for oral communication, and the use of effective arguing skills. The seminar essay will promote the development of numerous skills such as information retrieval; written communication; critical analysis; self-management; creativity. Finally, the structure of the seminars will allow for reflective practice via the opportunity to engage with feedback.Ìý

Outline content:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a specific focus on the interplay between the two. As such, many topics in social psychology will additionally consider individual differences related to said topics (for example, the influence of personality on prejudice). Topics in social psychology and individual differences might include: social cognition and perception; self-regulation, emotion-regulation and motivation; social behaviours, such asprosocial behaviour and aggression; the self, self-concept and self-esteem; intergroup relations and prejudice; attitudes and attitude change.

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how social psychology and individual differences can be context-bound.? Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate international similarities and differences within the fields.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught via 10 two-hour lectures, each supported by recommended reading.Ìý

Teaching methods include the following:Ìý

• Lectures on social psychology and individual differences.Ìý


• Recommended reading in social psychology and individual differences.Ìý


• Seminar groups providing the opportunity to discuss topics in social psychology and individual differences, and to research and write an essay.

There is also an online discussion board open for the duration of the module, where students may post questions. This will be checked weekly during Autumn term, and any questions will be responded to by the relevant member of teaching staff.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	20
Guided independent study:	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (independent)	90
Ìý Ìý Wider reading (directed)	30
Ìý Ìý Exam revision/preparation	20
Ìý Ìý Essay preparation	20
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Set exercise	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework comprises one essay (50%), with supporting seminarsÌýand weekly continuous assessment question (CAQ) tests (50%).

Formative assessment methods:

During the seminars, students will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on work related to the seminar essay.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is viaÌýa synoptic version of each assessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: None

2) Specialist equipment or materials: None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None

4) Printing and binding: None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 30 March 2023