PL3S156 - Applications of Social Psychology 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 4

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PL3S156
Module Title: Applications of Social Psychology
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Psychology
Faculty Sub Group: Youth and Community
Module Leader: Martin Graff
Module Team: Sarah Evans, Dan Bowers, Alexis Jones, Kirsty Richards, Leigh Attwood
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2023
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100497 - psychology
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 4
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

To develop a systematic critical appreciation of how social Psychology can be applied in the real world; including the role that social identity plays in this process.

Content Summary

The module introduces students to the real world applications of social Psychology. Content will cover a range of topics and theoretical issues including how people choose and use aspects of their identities, the motivational forces underpinning aspects of social identity and how these can be harnessed in order to improve potentially negative circumstances. Students will also consider how the physical environment can reflect individual and social identity and how this can be used to promote environmentally responsible behaviour. Finally, the module will deliver content based around the social Psychology of online environments, focussing on the formation of romantic relationships online, how and why aggression can occur online, how the Internet is used in business/the workplace as well as online persuasion and online disclosure.

Formative assessment and directed study tasks will support students’ progress towards their summative assessments as well as promoting deeper engagement with the module topics.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Practical classes and workshops 24
Independent Study 120
Directed Study 32
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically appraise theory and research in the field of applied social Psychology
LO2 Assess and evaluate how current research in applied social Psychology can be used to improve people’s lives in different environments

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 2 Essay applying theory and research to a topic in cyberpsychology 0 2000 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 Essay applying theory and research to a topic in social identity 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Essay (CW) 2
Essay (CW) 1

Reading List

Gifford, R. (2015). Research Methods for Environmental Psychology. Wiley-Blackwell

Harre, N. (2011). Psychology for a Better World: Strategies to Inspire Sustainability. University of Auckland

Haslam C., Jetten, J., Cruwys, T., Dingle, G.A. & Haslam S.A. (2018). The New Psychology of Health: Unlocking the Social Cure. Routledge

Haslam S.A. (2014). Social Identity at Work: Developing Theory for Organizational Practice. Psychology Press

Jetten J., Haslam, C. & Haslam, S.A. (2015). The Social Cure: Identity, Health & Well-Being. Routledge

Whitty M.T. & Young, G. (2016). CyberPsychology: The Study of Individuals, Society & Digital Technologies. Wiley-Blackwell

Plus journals relevant to Applied Social & Cyber Psychology such as:

CyberPsychology & Behaviour

European Journal of Social Psychology

Journal of Environmental Psychology