History: An Introduction to Social and Behavioural Psychology.

"The main aim of this course is to introduce social psychology, providing opportunities to view and discuss ten experiments that have informed and developed our understanding of the influence social situations can have on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Intended learning outcomes are focused on discussions regarding human behaviours in the context of different social situations. How does stereotyping in social situations and human interactions affect the way people are positively or negatively perceived and treated, for example? Predictions about potential thoughts, feelings and actions will be made across several scenario-based activities. Theories of conformity and obedience to authority will be explored and discussed in their historical contexts.

The main objective of the course is to inform a concluding discussion, focused on social psychology, behavioural theories, and experimental research findings, in the context of twenty-first century Britain. What has changed since each of the ten experiments was conducted for the first time? Do we believe the behaviours and attitudes would be different if these were conducted today? What ethical issues prevent many of the experiments from ever being repeated?

Key concepts to be explored include social identity theory, learned helplessness theory, social learning theory, social exchange theory, self-perception theory, labelling theory."