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Overview

Social psychology, applied psychology, and human factors.

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. 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 ) $1,318.20
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

Dr Mariska Kappmeier

Teaching staff

Dr Mariska Kappmeier

Paper Structure

This paper includes components on social psychology and applied psychology.

Social psychology topics include:

  • Causal attribution
  • Attitudes and attitude change
  • Prejudice
  • 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
  • Two 1-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, 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.

Overview

Social psychology, applied psychology, and human factors.

This paper examines theories and research in social psychology, which is the study of how people influence and are influenced by others. It also introduces applied psychology, which involves using psychological knowledge to improve the conduct and well-being of individuals in real-world situations. This is done with an emphasis on applications related to theory and measurement. 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 Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
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

Dr Mariska Kappmeier

Teaching staff

Dr Mariska Kappmeier

Paper Structure

This paper includes components of social psychology and applied psychology.

Social psychology topics include:

  • Causal attribution
  • Attitudes and attitude change
  • Prejudice
  • 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
  • Two 1-hour lectures each week.
  • A 2-hour laboratory each week for 9 weeks.
  • For most classes, students will be expected to do some preparation work before class, such as watching informational videos and reading articles or chapters provided via the online learning management system.
Textbooks

Required reading is provided via Aoroa and 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 and applied psychology, as well as learn to use the scientific method to test hypotheses in these areas.

Assessment details

Internal assessment contributes 50% to the final grade which involves two written assignments and a group presentation.

External assessment involves a two-hour multiple-choice exam at the end of the semester.

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