Postgraduate Course: Current Approaches in Social Psychology (PSYL11111)
Course Outline
| School | School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This semester-long course is taught using a combination of lecture and seminar sessions. The aim of the course is to learn about approaches required to conduct research in social psychology, and current topics in this field of research. |
| Course description |
For the lecture part of the course, students will learn about different approaches to conducting research in social psychology. This may include, for example, field research, observational methods, working across cultures, and qualitative approaches.
For the seminar part of the course students will read, present, and facilitate a discussion on recent papers in social psychology. Discussions may include specific questions about the paper but should focus on critiquing the work, examining the topic in more detail, exploring extensions, and situating the topic within the broader field of social psychology. Students will be responsible for presenting throughout the course, are expected to carefully read and understand the papers, and contribute actively to the group discussion.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 0 |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 10,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 10,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
176 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Presentation 30%
Discussant 10%
Research Proposal 60% (2000 Words)
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| Feedback |
The lectures and seminars are interactive so feedback will be given regularly throughout the course. Specifically, students will receive feedback on their presentations and discussion questions. Students are also encouraged to attend staff office hours if required. This feedback will inform their final research proposal by facilitating and developing their understanding of how to communicate, critically evaluate, and extend research in social psychology. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand the range of approaches to conducting research in social psychology, as well as their ethical implications.
- Understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods in social psychology, and the possibilities and limitations of each approach.
- Obtain knowledge on current topics in social psychology and be able to critically evaluate this research.
- Communicate clearly in speech and writing about theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of social psychological research.
- Effectively contribute to academic discussions as a speaker, listener, and discussant.
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Reading List
Presentation articles drawn from journals such as Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Psychological Science, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology etc.
Additional resources to be confirmed.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Students will learn to critically evaluate different methods and research conducted in social psychology. They will develop their communication skills, scientific writing, and ability to work with one another. |
| Special Arrangements |
Quota 25 students (or equivalent cohort size of MSc Social Psychology if greater).
Required for students enrolled in MSc social psychology.
Students enrolled in the MSc Social Psychology programme are strongly encouraged to take Qualitative Methodologies in Psychological Research in addition to Current Approaches in Social Psychology.
Closed to other students except students enrolled in MSc Psychological Research and MSc Research if additional space available.
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| Keywords | social psychology,conduct research,methods,approaches,current topics |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Rahul Sambaraju
Tel: (0131 6)50 4521
Email: r.sambaraju@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Olivia Coltman
Tel:
Email: ocoltman@ed.ac.uk |
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