PSYC 230 - Social Psychology

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 1 lab, 0 clinical) 4 Contact Hours: [PSYC 120 ]

1. Explain what social psychology is and how it differs from other aspects within the field of psychology
2. Articulate differences in research methodology and what conclusions can be drawn from different research designs
3. Explain the psychological processes that drive the creation and maintenance of our social knowledge and attitudes
4. Summarize biological and cultural factors that drive mood and emotional experiences and displays

Goal 2:  Display knowledge about the foundations of self-concept and self-esteem, the power of social roles, and how attitudes are created and changed.

1. Describe how our concept of self and self-esteem are created
2. Explain how our view of ourselves influences how we function in social situations
3. Describe how attitudes are created
4. Explain different approaches to attitude change and the effectiveness of each  

Goal 3:  Display knowledge of factors related to initial social impressions, factors that influence attributions, how cultural and individual differences influence perceptions of others, factors that influence conformity and obedience, factors that drive attraction, liking, and loving.

1. Explain factors that influence our impressions of others
2. Articulate attribution theory and reasons underlying the fundamental attribution error
3. Describe how cultural and individual differences influence attributions and judgment of others
4. Explain types of conformity and factors that increase or decrease conformity
5. Describe factors that influence leadership, power, and obedience
6. Summarize factors that make people inclined to like each other and aid in long term loving relationships

Goal 4:  Display knowledge of factors that drive altruism, factors that influence helping behaviors, causes of aggression, factors that influence aggression, how social groups function, and advantages/disadvantages of working in social groups.

1. Describe altruism and factors that influence displays of altruistic behavior
2. Explain how mood, emotion, and social context influence helping behaviors
3. Define what is meant by aggression
4. Identify factors that drive levels of aggressive behaviors in individuals
5. Explain factors that influence social group formation and function
6. Articulate advantages and disadvantages that come from working in social groups

Goal 5:  Display knowledge of factors that increase group performances, foundations of stereotyping, ingroup bias, prejudice, factors that fuel and reduce discrimination, sources of conflict, drivers for cooperation, and strategies for producing cooperation.

1. Explain factors that influence the effectiveness of social group function
2. Articulate how we form social categories and stereotypes
3. Describe factors that create and fuel prejudice
4. Explain techniques that can help reduce discrimination
5. Explain forces that influence social conflict, cooperation, and fairness
6. Describe strategies that can increase cooperation

Goal 6:  Apply knowledge of social psychology to real life situations.

1. Apply social psychology concepts to a specific social setting
2. Apply terminology from the course to a social setting