PSY 251W - Social Psychology

Credits: 3

Studies psychological factors underlying social behavior including conformity, group processes/interaction, aggression, altruism, interpersonal attraction, attitude formation, prejudice, discrimination, social perception, persuasion, conflict resolution, person perception, and diversity. Focuses on fundamental ways in which social interactions shape thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviors.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 211W with a minimum grade of “C”
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Social Science
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Explain the purpose and scope of social psychology as a science.
1. Differentiate social psychology from other subfields of psychology by explaining the central themes in social psychology.
2. Analyze research strategies used by social psychologists and explain how bias is avoided.
3. Apply social psychological principles to everyday life situations and experiences.
4. Explain how diversity influences social behavior and interactions and examine the rewards and challenges associated with diversity.
Analyze influences on social perception.
1. Describe major influences on self-perception.
2. Examine influences on and developmental aspects of social beliefs and judgments.
3. Analyze and apply theories regarding the relationship between attitudes and behavior.
Explain how the presence of others affects attitudes, personal beliefs, and behavior.
1. Evaluate research and analyze influences on conformity and obedience.
2. Differentiate between central and peripheral routes to persuasion and analyze how they influence persuasion among individuals, from the media, and within social groups.
3. Explain how emotions, behavior, and opinions are affected by the presence of others.
Analyze theories associated with social relations and pro-social and aggressive behavior.
1. Analyze the types and origins of prejudice and discrimination, how they affect individuals and groups, and how they can be reduced and prevented.
2. Evaluate major influences on and explanations of aggression and explain how it can be mediated and reduced.
3. Describe types of love and the determinants of attraction, love, and relationships.
4. Evaluate factors that lead to and increase pro-social behavior.
Perform writing tasks to demonstrate learning of social psychology concepts.
1. Apply principles and theories through the completion of projects and/or written reports.
2. Reflect upon learning through in-class and out-of-class writing opportunities.