This course offers a broad introduction to social psychology, the scientific study of human behaviour and interaction. We will explore a large variety of social psychological topics in the course, such as the way our thinking (conscious and unconscious) drives our behaviour, the social self-concept, social judgement, attitudes, persuasion, group processes, intergroup relations, conformity, aggression, helping behaviour, prejudice, and interpersonal attraction and relationships.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. A broad understanding of the ideological, philosophical and historical underpinnings of social psychology. (LO1)
2. A sound understanding of the fundamental conceptual, methodological and theoretical issues in social psychology. (LO2)
3. An appreciation of major and broad themes in contemporary social psychology, including attitudes, the self, social cognition, group processes, interpersonal attraction, aggression, culture and social influence. (LO3)
4. The ability to understand and critically evaluate various aspects of social psychological research. (LO4)
5. The ability to effectively communicate social psychological theories and research by reviewing and integrating relevant material. (LO5)

Recommended Resources

Textbook: Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D., & Akert, R. M. (2018). Social psychology: Global edition (9th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Available for purchase at the Co-op Bookstore and also in the Hancock Library on shot loan. The eBook is an acceptable substitute if you prefer that format (ebook can be found on booktopia.com.au, bookdepository.com, pearson.com.au and others).

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The course uses a blended learning approach. Instead of traditional weekly lectures, the course is structured around online modules that introduce core concepts and seminal studies. Each module corresponds to a book chapter. Every other week, there will be an interactive session where the course convener will highlight some of the materials, respond to questions and queries (which can be emailed in advance) and take you through some interactive quizzes to help you develop a deeper understanding of the material. In addition, you will also have to opportunity to participate in labs.

Using electronic devices (e.g. desktop, laptop, tablet, cell phones etc.) during Q&A Lectures or Laboratory Classes, for reasons other than note-taking and class related activities, is strictly prohibited. This is distracting to others, the instructors and your fellow students. If you are using electronic devices during class (for reasons other than note-taking and class related activities, the instructor, TA and or tutors will give you one verbal warning. If you continue to use electronic devices the instructor, TA and or tutors reserve the right to ask you to leave, which could impact your attendance for that class. If there is an emergency where you must use your electronic device, please step out of the class.

In-person/ Online Lectures and Slides: The online lectures and slides in this course provide an introduction to the key theories, research, challenges and best practice in the relevant subject areas.

Q&A Lectures: The Q&A lectures in this course will highlight some of the more difficult concepts and materials, respond to questions and queries (which can be emailed in advance) and take you through some activities to help you develop a deeper understanding of the material. The Q&A Lectures for this course will occur fortnightly during the lecture time slot.

Laboratory Classes: The laboratory program is not designed necessarily to follow the lecture program but to further develop certain knowledge, concepts and skills in a small group teaching setting. Attendance in laboratory classes is compulsory as lab attendance is a hurdle requirement for successfully completing PSYC2001.

Student Engagement: In order to help manage workload where full-time students are enrolled in 4 courses, a guide is that a 6 unit course should require on average 10 hours of work a week (including lectures and laboratory classes PLUS preparing for and revising lectures, readings).

ANU has returned to on-campus teaching and for semester two we expect our students to attend classes in-person on-campus wherever possible.  

We recognise that for some, especially for our international students, COVID continues to be a major constraint.  For those students who are unable to be on campus due to unavoidable international travel restrictions or visa delays, remote adjustments will be available in some courses. However, there will be courses where this is not possible. Course messages on Programs and Courses and communications from Colleges will identify those courses where remote adjustments are available. 

  

Students who experience temporary absences from their in-person classes due to COVID or other health-related reasons are advised to use standard processes to request adjustment, extensions or special consideration if needed.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Module: N/A [Meet for Intro. Lecture] Lecture: Introductory Lecture (Ch 1 & 2), In-person/Online Lab: No Lab	Note: Every other week there will be a pre-recorded Question & Answer (Q&A) session where the lecturer will highlight some of the materials, respond to questions and queries (which can be emailed in advance) and take you through some activities. The recordings will appear at the scheduled lecture time and location (online).
2	Module 1 : Social Cognition (Ch 3) Lecture Lab: No Lab
3	Module 2 & 3 Social Perception and the Need to Justify our Actions (Ch 4 & 6) Lecture: Online Q&A Lab 1: Introduction
4	Module 4 Conformity and Group Processes (Ch 8 & 9) Lecture Lab 2	[Quiz 1: Chapter 2]
5	Module 5 Prejudice (Ch 13) Lecture: Online Q&A Lab 3	[Quiz 2: Chapter 6]
6	Module 6 The Self (Ch 5) Lecture Lab 4	Quiz 3: Chapter 8]
7	Module 7 Interpersonal Attraction (Ch 10) Lecture: Online Q&A
8	Module 8 Prosocial Behaviour (Ch 11) Lecture Lab 5 "TED Talk" Presentations	"TED Talk" Presentations due [Sept. 26th 2022
9	Module: N/A No Lecture Lab 6 "TED Talk" Presentations	Essay Due [Oct 4th 11:59 PM]
10	Module 9 Aggression (Ch 12) Lecture: Online Q&A Lab 7 "TED Talk" Presentations
11	Module 10 Attitude (Ch 12)/ Review Lecture Lecture
12	Module: N/A Lecture: Online Q&A, Final Review Lecture (pre-recorded) Lab 8	[Quiz 4: Chapter 12]

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Laboratory Quizzes	20 %	*	1,2,3,4
"Ted Talk" Presentation	10 %	26/09/2022	1,2,3,4,5
Written Research Essay	20 %	04/10/2022	1,2,3,4,5
Final Exam	50 %	03/11/2022	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

It is expected that all students attend all laboratory classes. Attendance will be taken during the laboratory classes. Attendance in laboratory classes is a hurdle requirement of successfully completing PSYC2001. We strongly encourage students to attend ALL of the Q&A LECTURES EVERY OTHER WEEK. Research shows students learn best and achieve higher marks when they attend lectures and revise and review the material afterwards.

Examination(s)

Please note, that where a date range is used in the Assessment Summary in relation to exams, the due date and return date for a mid-semester exam indicates the approximate timeframe in which the exam will be held; the due and return date for end of semester exams indicate the start of the end of semester exam period and the date official end of Semester results are released on ISIS. Students should consult the course wattle site and the ANU final examination timetable to confirm the date, time and venue of the exam.

Assessment Task 1

Laboratory Quizzes

Details of task: You will be asked to complete a quiz immediately after four of the Laboratory Classes. The quizzes will be made up of short answer questions. You will be allotted 2 hours after the completion of your Laboratory Class to complete the quiz online. If you require special accommodations for completing quizzes (e.g., extra time, broke your hand and need a scribe) please contact the course convener ASAP (i.e., before the first lab). If you have a current Educational Access Plan (EAP) please ensure you have discussed the requirements with your tutor prior the first lab.

Value: 5% for each quiz for a total of 20% of your final mark.

Estimated return date: At the next Laboratory Class (for quizzes completed on-time).

Quiz submission: Completed online and submitted after the Laboratory Class

Quiz 1 (Lab 2) will assess your in-depth knowledge of Chapter 2

Quiz 2 (Lab 3) will assess your in-depth knowledge of Chapter 6

Quiz 3 (Lab 4) will assess your in-depth knowledge of Chapter 8

Quiz 4 (Lab 6) will assess your in-depth knowledge of Chapter 12

Assessment Task 2

"Ted Talk" Presentation

Essay and Presentation Questions

1. Is automaticity always negative and maladaptive?

2. Why are people attracted to each other?

3. Why do we hurt other people?

4. Can attitudes predict behaviour?

5. Is prejudice inevitable?

6. Can people resist normative and informational social influence?

You will be randomly assigned to groups of a maximum of 5 students (this will occur in Lab 1). You will be asked to design and record a 25 minute "TED Talk" style presentation on one of the topics listed above- only one group can present on one topic, there will be no "doubling up" on topics within a lab class. You will use powerpoint to create slides to visually convey information, whilst you narrate each slide and verbally convey the required information. Each student is responsible for presenting a 5 minute section. As such, if group size varies the presentation length will reflect this( i.e., 4 students = 20 minute presentation). Each group will be allocated one of the 6 questions (this question must be consistent with assessment task 3). You must include a minimum of 8 to 10 references for a pass and 6 of these must be peer-reviewed journal articles (please provide a reference slide in your presentation). Group marks will be awarded to all students, however there is scope to be graded individually if any group cohesion and effort issues arise. Thus, it is your responsibility to participate in the group project. If you have issues with a group member’s (lack of) participation please contact your tutor at the earliest that any issues arise.

Due Date: 26 Sept 2022

A rubric (Seminar Assessment Form) will be available on Wattle.

Value: 10% of your final mark.

Presentation requirements: Powerpoint or Prezi

Estimated return date: Two weeks following the assessment date.

Assignment submission: Presentations will be uploaded online for tutors to view and grade. You must include a minimum of 8 to 10 references (for a pass) and 6 of these must be peer-reviewed journal articles (please provide a reference slide in your presentation).

Assessment Rubric

The Seminar Presentation and Research Essay will each be marked to a rubric. A copy of these rubrics will be available on Wattle following the discussion of assessment in Laboratory Class 1 (Week 3 of semester). It will provide you with what would be expected to achieve for each grade (N, P, C, D, HD).

Assessment Task 3

Written Research Essay

You will be asked to write a research essay answering the question that you did for your Seminar Presentation. The essay will be 2000 words in length and needs to be formatted using the guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association (APA) (6th or 7th ed, but not a blend). Students need to answer the topic question and present an argument that justifies their answer which is to be supported by correctly cited theory and research. Students MUST write an essay on their seminar topics individually, NOT as a group. The essay topics and information about how to write a research essay and the marking criteria will be outlined in Laboratory Class 1 (This information can also be found on Wattle).

Essay and Presentation Questions

1. Is automaticity always negative and maladaptive?

2. Why are people attracted to each other?

3. Why do we hurt other people?

4. Can attitudes predict behaviour?

5. Is prejudice inevitable?

6. Can people resist normative and informational social influence?

Word limit: 2000 words- Note that there is no upward leeway on word limit, and students will be penalised for going over the 2000 word limit.

Presentation requirement: APA Formatting. American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.) Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

APA Formatting. American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Estimated return date: 3 weeks from the submission date

Due date and time: 11:59 pm, 4th October 2022

Assignment submission: Assignments are submitted using Turnitin in the PSYC2001 course Wattle site. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University’s approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. Students may choose NOT to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance, the student will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, copies of all references included in the assessment.

Extensions and penalties: Extensions and late submissions of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure.

Assessment Rubric

The Seminar Presentation and Research Essay will each be marked according to a rubric. A copy of these rubrics will be available on Wattle following the discussion of assessment in Laboratory Class 1 (Week 3 of semester). It will provide you with what would be expected to achieve for each grade (N, P, C, D, HD).

Assessment Task 4

Final Exam

Exam Format: Multiple choice. All modules and the entire textbook (Chapters 1 - 13, excluding the three “social psychology in action” sections) are examinable.

The date range in the Assessment Summary indicates the start of the end of semester exam period and the date the official end of semester results are released on ISIS. Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

The exact return date will be posted on Wattle, approximately 3 weeks from the date of submission. Late assignments will not be marked within this 3-week timeframe. The priority will be to mark the assignments that were handed in on time. Late assignments will aim to be returned prior the final exam.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Once you have received your mark for an assignment, you have 2 weeks in which to request a formal re-mark. However, it is advised that you do not request a remark until at least 48 hours after you have received your marked paper (this is so you have time to reflect upon your marker’s comments). There is a standard procedure for requesting a re-mark within the Research School of Psychology.

When you get your assignment back, read the comments and look at the mark. If you think your assignment deserves a higher mark, you need to contact your marker and tell them in writing why you feel you deserve a higher mark (the marker’s contact details will be in the coversheet of your assignment). If a meeting is necessary (many times communication about re-marking can be conducted via email), the documentation with concerns needs to be sent 2-days prior to meeting with your marker. An in-person meeting to discuss your concerns that you have put in writing is always an option also. Based on your reasoning, and revisiting the original assignment, your marker will then decide to alter your mark or not.

If you are still unhappy with the marker’s decision, you can formally request a remark by contacting the TA who will organise for another person to mark the assignment independently. The mark awarded by the second marker for your assessment becomes your final mark, regardless of whether it is higher, lower or the same as the original mark.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students