Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LI Introduction to Social and Differential Psychology
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 30007
Module Lead	Dr Fay Julal Cnossen
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Tutorial-20 hours Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours Guided independent study-154 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	In this module, students will examine major theories, ongoing debates, and research methods within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology. In doing so, students will gain an understanding of the role of both situational factors and dispositional factors in human behaviour. Social psychology studies the ways in which the presence of others, whether real, perceived, or symbolic, shape individuals' cognition, emotions, attitudes, and behaviours. Indicative areas of research include social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group processes, intergroup relations, social influence, culture, close relationships and sexualities, social constructionism, leadership, citizenship, community psychology, political psychology, power, powerlessness and empowerment, and self and identities in context. Differential psychology is the study of observable differences between individuals and the causes and consequences of these differences. Topics studied by individual differences researchers include personality, intelligence, cognitive style, emotion, motivation, mood, physical and mental health (including social, biological, and cognitive processes), positive psychology, and diversity. Students will learn how theories and research within each field can be used to understand and solve issues faced by individuals (e.g., performance at work) and in society (e.g., reducing prejudice and discrimination) and will explore how individual differences and situational factors interact to shape how people think, feel, and behave in different social contexts.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major theories, debates, and research findings within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology. Critically evaluate common research methods used within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology. Critically analyse and evaluate the quality of published research within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology. Apply theories and research findings within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology to understand and solve real-life issues. Effectively communicate in writing arguments and critical analysis of theory and research within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology. Effectively communicate in writing arguments and critical analysis of theory and research within the fields of social psychology and differential psychology.
Assessment	30007-01 : 750-word case study : Coursework (50%) 30007-02 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1. Differential psychology Written coursework assessment; equivalent to1000 words maximum (50%) 2. Social psychology Written coursework assessment; equivalent to 1000 words maximum (50%) Method of Reassessment: 1. Differential psychology written coursework assessment; 1000 words maximum (50%) 2. Social psychology written coursework assessment; 1000 words maximum (50%)
Other
Reading List