PSY 2010 Social Processes of Behaviour

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

OTHER-REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

This course introduces students to the scientific study of social behaviour, and to the process of empirical research and report writing as an essential skill for applied psychology.

SYNOPSIS:

Social behaviour is introduced as the study of social processes at a number of levels from the individual level through to more broadly based social phenomena. Some of the major concepts and areas of social psychology are introduced (e.g., social research methods, socialisation, self-esteem, altruism, aggression, communication and social skills, interpersonal relationships, family issues, prejudice, group processes, culture considerations, leadership and social influence. This course has a strong research component and students will be required to write a research report in a style suitable for psychology as part of their assessment. Students will also require email and internet access to USQConnect for this course.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. identify major theories, concepts and facts from social psychology relating to social processes of behaviour which operate at the level of individuals, groups and society;
2. analyse and interpret social life by application of relevant theoretical concepts;
3. make informed judgements and predictions about the effects of social influences on individuals in interpersonal, group, and other social settings;
4. apply scientific methods to selected areas covered in practical projects;
5. collect research data following appropriate ethical guidelines;
6. write a research report that follows the style requirements of psychology.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Other reference materials, including information relating to the practical report, are included in the Selected Readings.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Examination dates will be available during the Semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students are also strongly advised to regularly access the online discussion group and course home page via their Study desk on USQConnect.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete the practical report and exam, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each of those assessment items. To satisfactorily complete the Data Return assignment, students must submit their data following the guidelines explained in the course material.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for the first day late, and then a penalty of 5% for each additional week or part of a week late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and practical report; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 50% of the total marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course. The following cut-offs will be used in assigning grades: HD 85%, A 75%, B 65%, C 50%, F < 50%.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); Translation dictionary. Students whose first language is not English, may take an appropriate non- electronic translation dictionary into the examination. Translation dictionaries will be subject to perusal and may be removed from the candidate's possession until appropriate disciplinary action is completed if found to contain material that could give the candidate an unfair advantage.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course. There will be no Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES