Theories of social psychology are used to explain how humans, largely considered to be social beings, are affected by social interactions, social deprivation, or changes to their usual societal roles and norms. What happens when our beliefs and values are challenged? What is the impact on our behaviour when we are given power over others, or we are rendered seemingly powerless in a specific situation? This course assumes no prior knowledge.
Intended learning outcomes are focused on discussions regarding human behaviours in the context of different social situations. How does stereotyping in social situations and human interactions affect the way people are positively or negatively perceived and treated, for example? Predictions about potential thoughts, feelings and actions will be made across several scenario-based activities. Theories of conformity and obedience to authority will be explored and discussed in their historical contexts.
The course is focused on social psychology, behavioural theories, and experimental research findings, in the context of twenty-first century Britain. What has changed since groundbreaking experiments were conducted for the first time? Would the findings be different if these were conducted today? What ethical issues prevent many of the experiments from ever being repeated? Key concepts to be explored include social identity theory, learned helplessness theory, social learning theory, social exchange theory, self-perception theory, labelling theory.