PSYC 2319: Social Psychology

Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)

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1. Define social psychology and related terminology.

2. Discuss the relationship between the person and the situation and its influence on attitudes, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behavior, and interpersonal relationships.

3. Describe the dynamics of group behavior in areas of social influence, such as altruism, conformity, obedience, deindividuation, leadership, intergroup relations, and conflict and cooperation.

4. Identify and evaluate the current and historical research, and research methods of social psychology, including ethical considerations.

5. Apply social psychological principles to real-world issues.

Learning Objectives

1. Define social psychology and related terminology.

1.1 Define social psychology and describe its origins as a separate discipline within psychology.

1.2 Compare and contrast how social psychology and sociology attempt to understand and explain human behavior.

2. Discuss the relationship between the person and the situation and its influence on attitudes, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behavior, and interpersonal relationships.

2.1 Define what are meant by beliefs and attitudes, understanding all the factors that go into their formation, as well as methods of persuasion.

2.2 Define and explain the concepts of stereotype, prejudice, discrimination and the conditions that reduce prejudice.

2.3 Define aggression as well as related concepts, understanding the factors that increase and reduce aggression.

2.4 Explain and describe the factors influencing helping behavior.

2.5 Describe the need for affiliation, different types of relationships, and the factors that mediate interpersonal attraction, including the effects of cultural and gender differences.

3. Describe the dynamics of group behavior in areas of social influence, such as altruism, conformity, obedience, deindividuation, leadership, intergroup relations, and conflict and cooperation.

3.1 Describe the structure and function of group behaviors

3.2 Explain how individuals respond to the expectation of others, including the pressure to conform, obedience to authority, and deindividuation

3.3 Interpret and assess the relationships between groups, including intergroup contact, conflict, competition, and cooperation

3.4 Discuss group performance, including brainstorming, groupthink and group polarization

3.5 Identify the variables that contribute to helping behaviors such as altruism

3.6 Discuss the relationship between leadership and power, including leadership styles and preferences and how these impact marginalized groups

3.7 Examine the impact of culture and gender on self-concept and intergroup relations

4. Identify and evaluate the current and historical research, and research methods of social psychology, including ethical considerations.

4.1 Identify the historical foundations of the science of social psychology.

4.2 Describe and evaluate the research methods used in social psychology, including their relative strengths and weaknesses.

4.3 Describe and analyze ethical concerns in social psychological research.

5. Apply social psychological principles to real-world issues.

5.1 Summarize the research on eyewitness testimony.

5.2 Define stress and identify its causes.

5.3 Discuss the factors that affect health and wellness.

5.4 Explain how media can be used to influence behavior.

5.5 Explain how social psychology can help create a sustainable future.