The module provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories and scientific discoveries in personality and individual differences, attitudes and social cognition, and the social psychology of group processes, interpersonal relationships and intergroup relations. It emphasises findings from systematic empirical research in both field and laboratory settings and focuses on key topics in classic and current research. Possible topics include mental abilities, emotions, self-esteem, the self, political attitudes, attraction, stability and change in personality and attitudes, social influence, leadership, social identity, prejudice, and prejudice reduction.
We will consider what personality is, why it differs between people, and what impact personality and individual differences have on life outcomes. We will also focus on the impact of perceptions of the self, others, and groups on attitudes and behaviour within close relationships, within groups and between groups.
Contact hours: 50
Private study: 250
Total: 300
Compulsory to the following courses:
• BSc in Psychology with a Placement Year
• BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology and a Placement Year
• BSc in Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with Forensic Psychology
• BSc in Psychology with a year abroad
• BSc in Social Psychology
• BSc in Business Psychology
• BSc in Business Psychology and a Placement Year
Optional to the following course:
• BSc Human Biology and Behaviour
Essay (1,000 words) 20%
Research proposal (2,000 words) 40%
Examination (2 hours) 40%*
*This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment methods
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The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages (https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html).
• Ashton, M. C. (2017). Individual Differences and Personality (3rd ed.). Academic Press.
• Sutton, R. M., & Douglas, K. M. (2019). Social psychology (2nd ed.). Palgrave MacMillan.
• Baumeister, R. F., & Bushman, B. J. (2020). Social Psychology and Human Nature. Cengage Learning.
Subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theory and research in personality and individual differences, attitudes, social cognition, and interpersonal and intergroup relations
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the research methods used in personality and social psychology
3. Understand how personality, intra-group and inter-group structure and dynamics affect social perception and behaviour
4. Link theory and research in personality and social psychology to current issues in society
Generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1. Use literacy, numeracy and writing skills to present, interpret and discuss concepts, theories, and findings based on the use of the relevant literature
2. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the diversity of theoretical and empirical approaches in psychology
3. Critically evaluate the quality of theories, methods and findings in published research
4. Express well-founded opinions, argue rationally, develop new perspectives and engage in critical thinking both orally and in written form
5.. Demonstrate time management and organisation
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