PSYC 2600 - Social Psychology

Credit Hours: 3.00

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast correlational and experimental research methods.
2. Discuss the design, results, and conclusions of major studies by major social psychologists (e.g., Asch, Milgram, Zimbardo, etc.).

Outcome 2: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain the fundamental principles of social cognition and social perception.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the sources and uses of social knowledge.
2. Describe the ways in which emotions inform us about our social relationships.

Outcome 3: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the personal and situational factors that contribute to the individual’s perception of the self, other individuals, and groups.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast self‐concept, self‐esteem, social comparison, and social identity.
2. Describe the basic principles of impression formation and attribution.
3. Discuss the factors that influence social group process and performance.

Outcome 4: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to discuss the processes of social influence at work in attitude formation, persuasion, conformity, and obedience.

Objectives:

1. Describe the variables that affect attitude strength, attitude‐behavior relationships, and attitude change.
2. Outline the person and situation factors that determine the effectiveness of persuasion.
3. Compare and contrast conformity and obedience with respect to the person and situation variables that influence each.

Outcome 5: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to describe the personal and situational factors that play a role in social interaction, including attraction, prosocial behavior, aggression, and group performance and decision‐making.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the personal and situational variables that influence the behavior of individuals in a given social interaction.
2. Identify examples of the influence of gender and culture on social interaction.
3. Describe two ways social psychological principles can be used to promote a norm of social responsibility.

Outcome 6: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to compare and contrast stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination.

Objectives:

1. Discuss stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination with regard to the relative influences of person and situation factors in each.
2. Identify the impact of both social cognition and social perception in the development and prevention of stereotyping and prejudice.

• Communication: The graduate can communicate effectively for the intended purpose and audience.
• Critical Thinking: The graduate can make informed decisions after analyzing information or evidence related to the issue.
• Global Literacy: The graduate can analyze human behavior or experiences through cultural, social, political, or economic perspectives.
• Information Literacy: The graduate can responsibly use information gathered from a variety of formats in order to complete a task.
• Quantitative Reasoning: The graduate can apply quantitative methods or evidence to solve problems or make judgments.
• Scientific Literacy: The graduate can produce or interpret scientific information presented in a variety of formats.

1. Introduction to social psychology
2. Research methods
3. Social cognition
4. Social perception
5. The self
6. Attitudes and behavior
7. Persuasion
8. Perceiving others
9. Social influence
10. Attraction
11. Prosocial behavior
12. Aggression
13. Groups and group behavior
14. Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination