Theories and Research in Social Psychology – PSYC 712

CG • Section 8WK • 07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

Critical examination of current theory and research in social psychology. Focus on theories of attribution, social perception, attitude formation/change, social relationships, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to introduce the key theories and research areas in Social Psychology. This course will set a foundation for students’ studies in social psychology by exploring research and theories in the field. A focus on theory development and research methodology will be present as well as an integration with a biblical worldview.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Discussion threads must be a minimum of 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the initial thread, the student is required to reply to two other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250 words. Please see instructions the for each discussion assignment.

Research Proposal: Topic Assignment

Prior to beginning the research proposal, the student will submit the topic they will explore for approval. The topic submission assignment will consist of a 1–2-page description of the proposed topic and a minimum of 10 journal articles relevant to the topic. The paper must also include a title page and references page. All components must be presented in current APA format.

Evaluating Research Methods in Social Psychology Paper Assignment

The student will write a 5–7 page paper in current APA format discussing 3 commonly used research methodologies used in Social Psychology. The paper must also include a title page and references page, but neither are to be included in the 5–7 page requirement.

Research Proposal: Intent to Submit a Proposal Assignment

The student will prepare a 5–7-page Intent to Submit a Proposal to introduce the Research Proposal due later in the course. The paper must include a title page and a reference page with a minimum of 25 references on the topic. All components must be presented in current APA format.

Research Proposal: Final Submission Assignment

The student will write a Research Proposal that clearly discusses a topic in Social Psychology and propose a new study related to that topic. This assignment is the capstone of the course and will build upon the work completed for previous assignments. The research proposal must be a minimum of 25 pages, include a literature review, problem statement, purpose statement, research questions, a proposed methodology, and a references section with a minimum of 25 journal articles on the topic. All components must be presented in current APA format.

Narrated PowerPoint Assignment

The student will prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation based on their research proposal. For the presentation, the student will describe the area of research they are studying, introduce the need for their research, and describe their proposed study. The presentation must include sources cited in current APA format.