This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's cognitions, emotions and behaviours are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. This module will apply social psychological research and theory to problems and processes that people experience in their daily working lives. An Environmental Psychology component will consider the interaction between workplace behaviour and features of the physical, social and organisational environment. An Occupational Psychology component will then focus on specific issues faced by employees in the workplace (e.g. employee selection and training; motivation, job performance, and job satisfaction; balancing home and work life; and workplace stress), applying material on individual, social and group processes to inform an understanding of these issues. Finally, a component on Consumer Behaviour will consider the psychological processes and behaviours of those who use services, and will examine how service providers and advertisers use their knowledge of consumer processes to maximise employee and organisational productivity.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Social Sciences BSc
Examination 2 hours 50%
Essay 2,500 words 32.5%
Seminar Participation 17.5%
Reassessment methods: This module will be reassessed by 100% coursework
Reading list (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)
Buunk, Abraham P. & Van Vugt, Mark (2013). Applying Social Psychology: From problems to solutions (2nd Ed.), Cardiff: SAGE Publications.
Steg, Linda, van den Berg, Agnes E. & de Groot, Judith I. M. (2012). Environmental Psychology: An introduction, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Woods, Stephen A. & West, Michael A. (2010). The Psychology of Work and Organizations, Andover; Cengage Learning EMEA.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Apply theories and research findings in social psychology to issues and problems in everyday life.
8.2 Understand the interplay between social and other factors in explaining behaviour in applied settings
8.3 Describe and explain the main theories of environment–behaviour relationships and their implications for productivity at work
8.4 Understand and apply the findings of research into the main causes of environmental stress and their implications for productivity at work
8.5 Identify the major issues relating to employee recruitment, job satisfaction, motivation and stress at work
8.6 Understand the processes of leadership, conflict, decision-making and group processes within organisational settings
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Show progress in ability to locate specialised primary-source journal articles in relevant subject areas using electronic journals and the internet
9.2 Demonstrate an ability to apply theories and research findings to specific social issues and problems
9.3 Organise and communicate information in a clear and coherent manner through written work and seminar-based group discussions or presentations
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