This paper examines theories and research in social psychology, which is the study of how people influence and are influenced by others. It also provides an introduction to applied psychology, which involves using psychological knowledge to improve the conduct and well-being of individuals in real-world situations, with an emphasis on applications related to theory and measurement of personality. We will give attention to both classic and contemporary theories about these issues and take a critical approach to the research used to test them.
About this paper
| Paper title | Social and Applied Psychology |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,243.65 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- PSYC 111 and PSYC 112
- Restriction
- PSYC 202
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Notes
- With department approval a student who has attempted one only of PSYC 111 and PSYC 112, but who has achieved a grade of at least B and has passed additional papers worth at least 90 points, may take the other 100-level PSYC paper concurrently with any of PSYC 203, PSYC 210-PSYC 212.
- Contact
- More information link
View more information on the Department of Psychology's website
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper includes components on social psychology and applied psychology.
Social psychology topics include:
- Causal attribution
- Attitudes and attitude change
- Prejudice
- Aggression
- Altruism
- Emotion
- Self-perception
- Group behaviour
Applied topics include using applied psychology research to develop evidence-based policy and practices across various real-world contexts.
Laboratory Work: Psychology is an empirical subject, and laboratory work is an integral and important component. Topics in the laboratory program are related to those covered in the lecture courses and involve key activities that form part of the internal assessment for this paper.
- Teaching Arrangements
- One 2-hour lecture each week.
- A 2-hour laboratory each week for 9 weeks.
- For most classes, students will be expected to do some pre-class preparation work, such as watching informational videos and reading articles or chapters provided via the online learning management system.
- Textbooks
Required Reading: Provided via Blackboard/eReserve
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will gain a basic background in social, personality, and applied psychology, and learn to use the scientific method to test hypotheses in these areas.
- Assessment details
Internal assessment includes weekly progress tests, two written assignments and a group presentation.
Internal assessment contributes 60% to the final grade.
External assessment involves a two-hour multiple-choice exam at the end of the term.