PSY 234 Social Psychology

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Provides an overview of the major concepts and questions in the field of social psychology. Emphasizes diverse ways in which people’s thoughts and actions are influenced by social stimuli. Illustrates theories and research on such topics as the self, relationships, conformity, helping behavior, impact of a diverse world, intercultural differences, and aggression.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher); and completion of PSY 201Z; or consent of instructor. (All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.)
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the influence of social factors on individual behavior.
Describe the methods utilized in the field of social psychology.
Explain the impact of experience and cultural membership on the development of the individual’s sense of the self.
Analyze the concept of social intuition and its limitations in understanding culturally diverse attitudes and expressive styles.
Describe the impact of both personal and situational factors in explaining behavior.
Explain the relationship between attitudes and social behavior.
Analyze how stereotypes influence assessments of an individual’s behavior.
Describe the impact of in-group membership on out-group perception.
Evaluate current social psychological research against historical work.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena to understand human behavior.
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Cultural Literacy Outcome:

Identify and analyze complex practices, values, and beliefs and the culturally and historically defined meanings of difference.

Content Outline

Introduction to Social Psychology
Research Methods in Social Psychology
Social Thinking
- Self
  - Intercultural differences in the perception of the self
- Beliefs
  - Intercultural differences in social beliefs
- Behavior
  - Intercultural differences in social behavior
- Attitudes
  - Implicit vs. explicit attitudes as they pertain to historically marginalized groups
Social Influence
- Bio-social factors
- Persuasion
- Group processes
  - In-group polarization
Social Relations
- Prejudice
- Aggression
  - Conflict in a diverse world
  - Consequences of unequal power distribution
- Helping
  - Discrimination and helping