The course aims at providing knowledge and skills allowing the student to understand the individual and group processes (e.g., individual differences, attitudes) at the basis of social interaction, and to use such capabilities interpret the social realm of every-day life, in applied fields such as health promotion, environmental education, and social sustainability.
With the study of social psychology and social attitudes the student will be able to achieve the following educational objectives.
In terms of knowledge and understanding:
• knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of social cognition;
• knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of empirical research in the social psychological domain;
In terms of ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
• to distinguish naive social psychology from scientific knowledge of social behavior acquired through empirical research;
• Apply models of human social interaction to the interpretation of the main contexts of everyday life in which social interaction takes place.
In terms of independent judgment:
• distinguish between different approaches and worldviews at the base of social psychological research;
• interpret social cognition issues in the light of theoretical models and empirical studies in social psychology.
In terms of communication skills:
• synthesize and effectively present the main mechanisms of social interaction
In terms of learning ability:
• deepen their knowledge using texts and models developed within behavioral and social sciences.
With the study of social psychology and social attitudes the student will be able to achieve the following educational objectives.
In terms of knowledge and understanding:
• knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts of social cognition;
• knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and methodological foundations of empirical research in the social psychological domain;
In terms of ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
• to distinguish naive social psychology from scientific knowledge of social behavior acquired through empirical research;
• Apply models of human social interaction to the interpretation of the main contexts of everyday life in which social interaction takes place.
In terms of independent judgment:
• distinguish between different approaches and worldviews at the base of social psychological research;
• interpret social cognition issues in the light of theoretical models and empirical studies in social psychology.
In terms of communication skills:
• synthesize and effectively present the main mechanisms of social interaction
In terms of learning ability:
• deepen their knowledge using texts and models developed within behavioral and social sciences.
teacher profile teaching materials
1. Introduction to Social Psychology
Contents:
Definition and objectives of social psychology
Research methods in social psychology (empirical and theoretical approach)
Importance of social interaction in everyday life
2. Social cognition and social thought
Contents:
Cognitive processes in social interactions
Cognitive biases and distortions in social thought
3. Self, identity and society
Contents:
The concept of self and its social construction
Theories of social and personal identity
4. Attitudes and persuasion
Contents:
Theories of attitudes: formation, change and resistance
Persuasion techniques and applications in social life
5. Conformism and social change
Contents:
Theories of conformity and obedience
Social change: factors and dynamics
6. People in groups
Contents:
The dynamics of the group: cohesion, leadership and influence
The role of individuals in social groups
7. Prejudice, intergroup relations and social identity
Contents:
Origins and manifestations of prejudice
Theories about intergroup relations and discrimination
8. Aggression
Contents:
Theories of aggression: biological and social
Factors that influence aggressive behavior
9. Prosocial behavior
Contents:
Theories about prosocial and altruistic behavior
Conditions that favor social help and cooperation
10. Attraction and intimate relationships
Contents:
The psychology of attraction and intimate relationships
Theories on interpersonal relationships formation and duration
11. Culture and communication
Contents:
The role of culture in social interactions
Intercultural communication and its social effects
Programme
The Social Psychology course is structured as follows:1. Introduction to Social Psychology
Contents:
Definition and objectives of social psychology
Research methods in social psychology (empirical and theoretical approach)
Importance of social interaction in everyday life
2. Social cognition and social thought
Contents:
Cognitive processes in social interactions
Cognitive biases and distortions in social thought
3. Self, identity and society
Contents:
The concept of self and its social construction
Theories of social and personal identity
4. Attitudes and persuasion
Contents:
Theories of attitudes: formation, change and resistance
Persuasion techniques and applications in social life
5. Conformism and social change
Contents:
Theories of conformity and obedience
Social change: factors and dynamics
6. People in groups
Contents:
The dynamics of the group: cohesion, leadership and influence
The role of individuals in social groups
7. Prejudice, intergroup relations and social identity
Contents:
Origins and manifestations of prejudice
Theories about intergroup relations and discrimination
8. Aggression
Contents:
Theories of aggression: biological and social
Factors that influence aggressive behavior
9. Prosocial behavior
Contents:
Theories about prosocial and altruistic behavior
Conditions that favor social help and cooperation
10. Attraction and intimate relationships
Contents:
The psychology of attraction and intimate relationships
Theories on interpersonal relationships formation and duration
11. Culture and communication
Contents:
The role of culture in social interactions
Intercultural communication and its social effects
Core Documentation
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2023). Social psychology. Pearson Education. (9th edition)Reference Bibliography
Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2023). Social psychology. Pearson Education. (9th edition)Attendance
Attendance is recommended but not mandatory.Type of evaluation
The Social Psychology course evaluation will be based on a final written exam composed of two main sections, designed to test students' skills in relation to established educational objectives. Each section will contribute specifically to the evaluation of knowledge, communication skills and the ability to apply theories to real contexts. 1. Type of exams Part 1: Multiple choice questions Multiple choice questions will cover a wide range of topics covered during the course. The aim of this section is to test understanding of the fundamental concepts of social psychology and the main theories and models discussed. These include social cognition, social interaction, groups, prejudice dynamics, and other key social phenomena. Part 2: Open question In the second part of the exam, students will answer an open question that requires a more analytical and detailed answer. The question will explore students' ability to apply the concepts learned to real situations, to critically evaluate psychological theories and/or to identify these theories and authors, as well as to develop a deeper understanding of the psychological and social models presented. The final assessment will consider the following criteria: - Ability to memorize and recognize the main theoretical models and concepts of social psychology. - Ability to apply the concepts and theories learned to concrete situations, such as the analysis of behaviors and daily social dynamics. - Precision and completeness in identifying and describing theories and authors, with particular attention to the critical understanding of the theories discussed. - Clarity and coherence in the formulation of open-ended answers, including the ability to argue and present one's thoughts in an orderly manner. The final grade will be awarded based on the following elements: Multiple choice questions (n 40): 1 point for each correct answer Open question: max 5 points based on accuracy and depth of theoretical analysis, ability to apply knowledge in concrete contexts and the overall quality of the answer.