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PSY234: Social and Personality Psychology

This is an introduction to theory, research and applications in the scientific study of social and personality psychology. Building on the personality and social psychology material introduced in first year, the personality section of the course provides an in-depth background to the prominent theories of personality and examines recent developments in personality research. The section on social psychology covers foundational scientific research in social psychology, focusing on developments in the three general domains of social thinking, social influence and social relations.

The objectives of this unit involve acquiring a sound basic understanding of the principal theories, key empirical research, and basic issues in the fields of social and personality psychology. Overall, the following specific knowledge and skills are expected to be acquired from this course (a) an understanding of how the scientific approach to personality and social psychology differs from commonsense or lay understanding, (b) an awareness of research methods used in personality and social psychology research, (c) an ability to construct an overall critical evaluation of current scientific knowledge of a topic within personality or social psychology, (d) an understanding of the principal personality theories, research, and the controversies that arise is this field, and (e) an understanding of key theories and research in the domains of social cognition, social influence, and social relations.

Timetable Information

For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.