PSYC312: Social Psychology

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 08/08/2024

Course Description

Social psychology is the study of how the presence of other people (real or imagined) affects individuals. This course will provide an overview of theory and research related to: development of the self, cognitive dissonance, attitudes and attitude change, group processes, attraction and relationships, prosocial behavior, aggression, as well as stereotyping and discrimination.

Rationale

Many individuals go through their daily routines with little thought as to what influences their own thoughts and behaviors, as well as the behavior of those around them. They seem unaware of how other people influence their thoughts and behavior. Still, others attempt to understand and explain their behavior, but their explanations are inaccurate. This course will seek to explain how students’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual or imagined presence of others so that the students can better understand themselves and those around them.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete 2 discussions throughout the term. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be 300–500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. For each thread, the student must use and cite the textbook, and Scripture in current APA format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must include 150-250 words and cite at least one item of information from the textbook. (CLO: A, B, D)

Big Ideas in Social Psychology Assignment

Understanding the major concepts of social psychology will provide a foundation for success in this course. To help ensure your understanding of these basic concepts (also described by the textbook authors as “Big Ideas”) you will be asked to write a 500-700 word paper within which you identify each of these “Big Ideas” within your textbook, select a quote that summarizes the concept, provide a real-life example of the concept, and reflect on what the Bible says about the concept. (CLO: A).

Social Comparison and Social Media Article Review Assignment

For this assignment students will write a critical analysis of a current, peer-reviewed research article as it relates to the topic of social media and social comparison. A series of questions are included in the assignment instructions to guide the analysis of this article. (CLO: A, D)

Video Games and Aggression Assignment

The student will explore, summarize and critically analyze a current research article as it relates
to the topic of video games and aggression and then discuss a Biblical perspective on this research, and explain how the evidence found in the paper might be used to solve problems or enhance well-being related to behavior and/or mental processes. The body text for this assignment must include 500-700 words. (CLO: A, B, C, D).

Pop culture and Relationships Assignment

For this assignment students will explore, summarize and critically analyze a popular song (from any era) as it relates to the information provided in our textbook in Chapter 11: Attraction and Intimacy. Your goal for this paper is to examine lyrics from a scholarly perspective and write thoughtful comparison of song lyrics viewed  through the lens of Social Psychology. A series of questions is provided in the assignment instructions to guide your analysis and evaluation. (CLO: C).

Bystander Training Video PSA Assignment

For this assignment you will submit a brief video, created in the style of a public service announcement to help individuals understand at least one reason (as described in our textbook) for why people do not help in an emergency and what might be done to overcome this barrier to helping. Note that you must be featured in the video (your face and your voice). Content should be presented in a conversational tone rather than being read from a script. Creativity is encouraged, but you (the student) must be visible and heard in the video. (CLO: C, D).

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 50 multiple-choice questions, and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: B, C, D)