Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit examines the factors that influence psychological functioning in a social environment. The unit considers some of the latest theories, research and applications in areas such as attitudes, stereotyping and prejudice, relationships, altruism and social groups.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe, compare and contrast the central topics in social psychology; (2) relate and apply the principles of measurement and experimental design in social psychology; (3) design experiments to answer social psychological questions and draw appropriate inferences from such data; (4) write research reports relevant to psychological issues in the format appropriate for psychological science (American Psychological Association style); (5) compare and contrast the language of social psychology associated concepts appropriately; (6) apply experimental methodologies to understand human behaviour in a social context and to the associated ethical issues; and (7) characterise how experimental data contribute to the development of theory in social psychology.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments and (2) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Lynden Miles
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
three Unit(s) PSYC1101 Psychology: Mind and Brain
and Unit(s) PSYC1102 Psychology: Behaviour in Context
and Unit(s) PSYC2203 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Incompatibility
Unit(s) PSYC2212 Psychology and Social Behaviour
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
labs/seminars: 2 hours every second week
Note
Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
Students are exposed to topics in psychology units that may cause some discomfort or distress in certain individuals (e.g. depression, suicide, trauma, eating disorders). They are required to demonstrate skills across a variety of different formats and contexts (e.g. written assessments, participation in practical work, contribution to group discussions, oral presentations, examinations), and so it is important to carefully consider whether they are able to cope with the demands of studying psychology and whether there is anything that would impact upon their ability to complete the requirements of the unit. Refer to individual unit outlines for more detailed unit information.
Texts

Current textbook information is available in the School of Psychological Science textbooks list.

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.