Social Psychology (SOP 3004) Spring 2008

Required Text

Kenrick, D.T., Neuberg, S.L., & Cialdini, R.B. (2007). Social psychology: Goals in interaction.  New York: Allyn & Bacon.

Recommended Text

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5^th ed.). 

Course Catalog Description

Survey of theory, method, and research results in areas of social psychology, such as attitude formation and change, social perception/ cognition, impression formation, social influence, interpersonal attraction and relationships, aggression and pro-social behavior, and group dynamics. Application in areas such as work or health behavior, legal settings, or environmental psychology may also be included.

This course will cover a variety of theories and research on social psychology.  Topics include: processes underlying how we think about and act towards other people, social influences on our thoughts, feelings, and behavior, methods used for research on social psychology, group interaction, social dilemmas, and applications of research on social psychology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

Understand the historical and current trends in the field of social psychology.

Explain the implications of social psychological research and theories for individuals and society.

Identify and Explain methodologies used for research on social psychology.

Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and ethics of these various research designs.

Discuss the generalizability of the research findings across time and cultures.

Correctly use the editorial style of the American Psychological Association.

Develop a research proposal on a topic in social psychology.

Identify and explain social and cultural influences on cognition.

Explain how personal and situational variables interact to produce human behavior

Identify underlying goals that motivate behavior in a social context.

Explain how evolutionary and cultural forces interact to produce human behavior

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University of West Florida | Department of Psychology | 11000 University Pkwy. | Pensacola, FL 32514 | (850) 474-2000