OEP 312: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. Social psychology is a discipline with significant application to major areas of social life.

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OEP 312: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Course Description

Social psychology is a discipline with significant application to major areas of social life. This study material is an introductory course in social psychology targeting students of wide ranging abilities. Each lecture begins with introduction and objectives. Students are therefore, invited for further readings by consulting list of references suggested which are found at the end of each lecture and they should also consult other related literature.

Course Objectives:

1. To gain a general understanding of Social Psychology

2. To gain a general understanding on theories and methodology used in Social Psychology 3. To expand knowledge abut human behaviours using interdisciplinary approach

4. To foster respect of human diversity regarding matters such as gender, race and educational background.

5. To shape our understanding about human behaviours and its implication in the society we live.

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LECTURE ONE

1.0 Main Topic: Introduction to Social psychology 1.2. Objectives of the lecture

At the end of this lecture, you should be able to: 1. Define social psychology

2. Differentiate between social psychology and psychology 3. Explain social psychology as social

4. Explain social psychology as a science

5. Explain ways in which social psychology is similar to and different from other discipline

Sub Topics

1.3 Introduction

This lecture specifically introduces you to social psychology by helping you relate and differentiate with other disciplines

1.4 What is Social Psychology?

1.5 Social psychology is a scientific study 1.6. Social psychology is social

1.7. Social psychology and related disciplines 1.8 Summary

1.9. Exercises: 1.10. Further Readings:

Carr, W. & Kemmis, S. (2002). Becoming Critical: Education Knowledge and Action Research. London: Deakin University Press

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Hogg, A. M. & Vaughan, N. G. (2005). Social Psychology. New York: Person Education Limited

Santrock, J. W. (2004). Educational Psychology. 2nd edition. NewYork: McGraw Hill. Santrock, J.W. (2000). Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.

LECTURE TWO

2.0 Main topic: Theory and Methodology in Social Psychology 2.1 Objectives of the lecture:

At the end of this lecture, you should be able to: 1. Define theory and its characteristics

2. Identify various theories used in social psychology 3. Identify methodologies applied in social psychology

Sub topics

2.2. Introduction

This lecture introduces you to theories and methodologies commonly used in social psychology. The lecture surveys few theories as an example and the rest will be done by a reader.

2.3. What do you understand about the word ‘theory’? 2.4 Function of Social Psychology

2.5. Characteristics of Theory

2.5.1 Cognitive Theory

2.5.2. Social Cognition Theory 2.5.3. Psychoanalytic Theory 2.5.4. Social Learning Theory

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2.5. Research Methodology 2.5.1 Experimental research 2.5.2. Correlational Research 2.6 Which theory is right?

2.7 Research in Social Psychology 2.8 Types of Research

2.9. Summary 2.10. Exercises:

2.11. Further Readings

Glanz, K., Lewis, M. F. & Rimer, K. B. (editors) (1990). Health Behaviours and Health Education: Theory, Research and Practice. Oxford: Jossey-Bass Limited

Kemmis, S. & Carr, W. (2002). Becoming Critical: education, Knowledge and Action Research. London: Deakin University Press.

Santrock, J. W. (2004). Educational Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.

LECTURE THREE

3.0 Main Topic: Cultural Influence 3.1. Objectives of the lecture

At the end of this lecture students should be able to: 1. Define culture

2. Culture and Society

3. The Influence of Culture in Socialisation 4. Culture and Socialisation

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Sub Topics

3.2 Introduction

In this lecture cultural influence is discussed as a total way of life of a particular society. However, culture is complex to define because everything we do reflect culture. One can not talk of anything bad or good out of culture. Key features of culture and relation of culture and socialisation are also discussed.

3.3. What is culture? 3.4. Culture and society

3.5. How culture influence socialisation? 3.6. Culture and socialisation

3.6.1. Socialisation in a family 3.6.2. Socialisation in a school 3.6.3. Socialisation in peer groups

3.6.4 Cultural Socialisation through Mass Media 3.8. Summary:

3.9 Exercise:

3.10. Further Readings:

Gergen, K. J. & Gergen, M. M. (1981). Social Psychology. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanorich Inc.

Santrock, J.W. (2000). Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.

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4.0. Main Topic: Social Influence and Groups 4.1 Objectives of the lecture

At the end of this lecture you should be able to: 1. Define group, conformity and compliance 2. Gain understanding of Group cohesiveness 3. Gain understanding on Social Influence

Sub Topics

4.2. Introduction

This lecture introduces you to social influence and groups. The lecture is very broad; therefore, it will specifically focuses on group cohesiveness and social influence Under these elements you will be able to understand the followings.

4.3. What is a group? 4.3.1 Group and aggression 4.3.2 Why do people join groups? 4.4. Group Cohesiveness

4.4.1 Factors affecting group cohesiveness 4.4.2 Importance of group cohesiveness 4.5 Social influence

4.5.1 Conformity

4.5.2 Why do people conform to groups? 4.5.3 Who conforms?

4.5.4 Compliance 4.6. Summary 4.7. Exercises:.

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4.8. Further Reading

LECTURE FIVE

5.0. Interpersonal Attraction: Liking and Loving Others

5.1. Objectives of the lecture:

At the end of this lecture students should be able: 1. To gain understanding on interpersonal attraction.

2. To gain understanding on situational influences and attraction

Sub Topics:

5.2. Introduction

This lecture discusses issues related to interpersonal attraction and situational influence.

5.3. Interpersonal attraction: 5.3.1. Social comparison theory 5.3.2. Social comparison theory:

5.4. Situational influences on attraction 5.4.1 Proximity

5.4.2 Mere exposure 5.4.1 Attitude similarity: 5.4.2 Reciprocity of liking 5.4.3. Positive qualities

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5.5. Summary 5.6. Exercises

7.9. Further Reading

LECTURE SIX

6.0. Main topics: Pro-Social Behaviour 6.1. Objectives of the lecture:

At the end of this lecture students will be able: 1. To define pro-social behaviours

2. To identify sources of pro-social behaviours 3. To identify approaches of pro-social behaviours

4. To gain an understanding as to why pro-social behaviour exists? 5. To identify stages of helping

Sub Topics:

6.2. Introduction

This lecture specifically discusses sources and approaches of helping behaviours. Stages of helping behaviours will also be discussed in this lecture.

6.3. What is pro-social behaviour? 6.4. Sources of pro-social behaviours 6.5 Approaches for helping behaviours

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6.6 Identify stages of helping behaviour 6.7. Summary:

6.8. Exercises

6.8. Further Readings

Eisnberg, N. & Mussen, P. (1989). The Root of Pro-social Behaviour in Children. Cambridge: Cambridge University

LECTURE SEVEN

7.0 Main Topics: Attribution and Perception of Others 7.1. Objectives of the lecture:

At the end of this lecture students should be able to: 1 Define attribution.

2 Identify types of attributions theories.

3 Identify and explain attribution errors and its causes in perceiving others 4 Identify the content of attribution

5 Identify the consequences of attribution.

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This lecture is about attribution and perception or understanding of others. It highlights the way we understand other people and the way we find answers to our daily questions. It specifically focuses the way we find the causes for our and or others failure and successes.

7.3. Definition of attribution 7.4. Types of attribution theories

7.4.1. Heider’s theory of naive psychology (1958 7.4.2. The Kelley’s Co variation Theory (1967) 7.4.3. Weiner’s Attribution Theory

7.5. Attributions Errors and Biases: Wrong interpretation of the causes of behaviours 7.6. Content of Attribution

7.7. Consequences of attribution 7.8. Summary

7.9. Exercises

7.10. Further Readings:

Santrock, J. W. (2004). Educational Psychology. 2nd edition. New York: McGraw Hill

LECTURE EIGHT

8.0 Main Topic: Attitude and Attitude Formation 8.1. Objectives of the lecture

At the end of this lecture you should be able to: 1. Define attitude

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3. Describe theories used in explaining attitude and behaviours

Sub topics

8.2. Introduction

This lecture therefore, is trying to explain attitude and how they are formed. The lecture further describes theories that support attitudes.

8.3. Definition of attitude 8.4. Attitude formation 8.5 Function of attitude

8.6. Theories used in explaining attitude and behaviours 8.6.1. Theory of Reasoned Action

8.6.2 Theory of Planned Behaviour

8.6.3. Theory of cognitive Dissonance Theory: 8.7. Summary

8.8. Exercise

Santrock, J.W. (2000). Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.

Eagly, A. H. & Chaiken, S. (1993).The Psychology of Attitudes. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc.

LECTURE NINE

9.0. Main Topic: Prejudice, Discrimination and Stereotypes 9.1. Objective of the lecture

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1. Define prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes

2. Identify the sources of prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes 3. Identify effects of prejudice and discrimination

4. Identify techniques used in reducing prejudice and discrimination

Sub topics

9.2. Introduction

This lecture is about prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes. In this lecture therefore, we will examine the social psychological principles underlying prejudice and discrimination focussing on individual’s attitude towards members of their own and other groups. We will also examine effects of prejudice and discrimination. Techniques pertaining in reduction of prejudice and discrimination will also be discussed.

9.3. Prejudice: 9.4. Prejudice 9.5 Stereotypes

9.5.1 Ratio and ethnic stereotypes 9.5.2 Sex stereotypes

9.5.3 Age stereotypes

9.6. Sources of prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination 9.7 Effects of prejudice and discrimination

9.8. Reducing prejudice and discrimination 9.8.1 Contact: interacting with the prejudiced. 9.8.2. Cognitive approach to reduce prejudice

9.8.3 Direct teaching: teaching people to like and understand others. 9.9. Summary

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9.10. Exercises:

Hogg, A. M. & Vaughan, N. G. (2005). Social Psychology. New York: Person Education Limited.

LECTURE TEN

10.0 Main Topic: Aggression

This lecture discusses aggression; its sources, determinants and strategies of reducing it. 10.1. Objectives of the lecture:

At the end of this lecture you should be able to: 1. Define aggression

2. Identify underlying factors for aggression 3. Reducing aggression

Sub Topics:

10.2. Introduction:

This lecture discusses aggression; its sources, determinants and strategies of reducing it. 10.3. Definition of aggression

10.4. Underlying factors for aggression 10.4.1 Biological factors

10.4.2 Drive theory

10.4.3 Social learning theory 10.5 Reducing aggression

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10.6. Summary 10.7. Exercises 10.8. Further Readings:

Morris G. C. (1982).Psychology: an Introduction. 4th edition, London: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Garrison, M. (1993).Understanding Psychology, 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-hill,Inc.

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References:

Carr, W. & Kemmis, S. (2002). Becoming Critical: Education Knowledge and Action Research. London: Deakin University Press

Duffy, G. K. (1999). Personal Growth and Behaviour. Guilford: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill Eagly, A. H. & Chaiken, S. (1993).The Psychology of Attitudes. New York: Harcourt Brace

Jovanovich Inc.

Eisnberg, N. & Mussen, P. (1989). The Root of Pro-social Behaviour in Children. Cambridge: Cambridge University

Garrison, M. (1993).Understanding Psychology.3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc Gergen, K. J. & Gergen, M. M. (1981). Social Psychology. New York: Harcourt Brace

Jovanorich Inc.

Glant, L & Evance, A. (1994).Principles of Behavioural Analysis.NewYork: Harper Collins College publisher

Glanz, K., Lewis, M. F. & Rimer, K. B. (editors) (1990). Health Behaviours and Health Education: Theory, Research and Practice. Oxford: Jossey-Bass Limited

Kemmis, S. & Carr, W. (2002). Becoming Critical: education, Knowledge and Action Research. London: Deakin University Press.

Morris G. C. (1982).Psychology: an Introduction. 4th edition, London: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Palladino, J. J. (1996).Abnormal psychology. Guilford:Dushkin publishing Group/Brown & Benchmark Publishers.

Santrock, J. W. (2004). Educational Psychology. 2nd edition. NewYork: McGraw Hill. Santrock, J.W. (2000). Psychology. New York: McGraw Hill.

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