Social Psychology

Catalog description

This course explores how individuals influence and are influenced by their social environments, with a strong emphasis on scientific thinking and empirical research. Students will examine the social nature of individuals, including attitudes, attitude change, and prejudice, as well as dyadic relationships and small group dynamics, such as conformity, decision-making, and leadership. The course will delve into seminal research studies in social psychology, including Milgram's, Asch's, and Festinger's studies, detailing their methodologies, results, and impact. Students will describe key concepts related to the self, attribution, social cognition, cognitive dissonance, and decision-making. The course will also cover social influence and persuasion, including compliance, obedience, social norms, and group dynamics, as well as social interactions such as altruism, aggression, stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Additionally, students will explore the applications of social psychology into areas such as health, law, business, and environmental issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply theories and research to personal and societal issues. Prerequisite : PSYC 1100 or permission of the instructor.