This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Social cognition examines relationships between cognitive and social processes, particularly the way we form beliefs about ourselves, other individuals, and social groups. Topics include the cognitive processes in stereotyping and prejudice, whether our social behaviour is influenced by unconscious processes, and cognitive dissonance (the unpleasant feeling that we get when we hold beliefs that are inconsistent with each other or with our behaviour). A general theme to this module is biases and distortions in perceptions of ourselves, others and the media. Recent research findings and methodology are emphasised along with their practical implications for understanding human social behaviour.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Optional to the following courses:
• Social Sciences BSc
Main Assessment Methods:
Essay* (3000 words) 75%
Magazine article (1000 words) 25%
*This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Reassessment methods:
100% coursework (2,500 words)
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).
• Cooper, Joel (2007) Cognitive dissonance : fifty years of a classic theory. Los Angeles, Calif; London: SAGE.
• Fiske, Susan, & Taylor, Shelley. (2008) Social cognition: From brains to culture. McGraw-Hill.
• Moskowitz, Gordon (2004) Social Cognition : Understanding self and others. The Guilford Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
Subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary concepts, theories and findings in key areas of social cognition.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of methods of analysis and inquiry used in social cognition
3. *Demonstrate an awareness of how concepts, theories and findings in social cognition may be applied with benefits for individuals, groups, and society.
4. *Critically evaluate concepts, theories and research findings in social cognition.
*This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module.
Generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate literacy, analytical and writing skills to analyse, interpret and discuss concepts, theories and findings from primary source literature
2. Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the diversity of theoretical and empirical approaches in psychology
3. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate concepts, theories and findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
4. Critically evaluate the quality of theories and findings in published psychological research, and their potential applications to individual and social problems and issues
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