PSYC 230 - Social Psychology

3 Credit: (3 lecture, 0 lab, 0 clinical) 3 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. Describe factors that impact self-concept, self-esteem, and fuel the self-serving bias.
4. Explain how we form judgments.
5. Summarize how we make conclusions about our social worlds.

Goal 2:  Display knowledge about the interaction between attitudes and behaviors, biological and social influences of gender, and the power of conformity and obedience.

1. Explain when and why behaviors influence attitudes.
2. Explain the concept and influence of cognitive dissonance.
3. Describe the biological and social influences upon gender.
4. Summarize similarities and differences between males and females.
5. Articulate the main factors related to conformity and obedience.

Goal 3:  Display knowledge of factors that influence the power of persuasion, the influence of groups upon thought and opinions, and the foundations of prejudice.

1. Explain different approaches to persuasion.
2. Describe the main elements of persuasion.
3. Explain how the presence of others influences our behaviors and thoughts.
4. Describe how group dynamics influence decision making processes.
5. Articulate the main sources and consequences of prejudice.

Goal 4:  Display knowledge about factors that influence aggressive behaviors, attraction to others, and helping behaviors.

1. Outline different theories of aggression.
2. Describe influences upon aggressive behaviors.
3. Explain factors that drive friendship and attraction.
4. Describe different types of love and factors that drive long term relationships.
5. Outline factors that predict whether or not people will engage in helping behaviors.

Goal 5:  Display knowledge of factors that influence the creation of conflict and peace, clinical applications of social psychology, and courtroom applications of social psychology.

1. Articulate factors that help to fuel conflicts and processes that help lead to peace.
2. Explain how concepts from social psychology apply to clinical diagnostic processes.
3. Describe social psychological approaches to treatment.
4. Summarize issues related to eyewitness testimony.
5. Explain how concepts from social psychology can influence juror judgments.

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

1. Apply social psychology concepts to a specific social setting.
2. Apply social psychology concepts to explain cultural events.