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Social and Personality Psychology
UndergraduateMAQ-PSYX22342021
Previously MAQ-PSYX234
Course information for 2021 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Learn to bring a scientific lens to personality and social psychology using theories and research. Take a critical approach as you consider differences in the two fields, evaluate existing knowledge and look into controversies within these areas.
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- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 18 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Social and Personality Psychology
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
- Conduct an analysis of a research topic within personality or social psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key theories and research in social and personality psychology.
- Discuss the concepts attained in the lectures and readings in a small class forum
- 1. Introduction to the unit; Introduction to Personality Research
- 2. Post-Freudian Psychodynamic Accounts; Attachment Theory and Personality
- 3. Neuropsychoanalysis; Trait Approaches
- 4. Evolutionary Theory and Personality; Humanistic and Positive Psychology
- 5. Personal Construct Theory; Application and Revision
- 6. New Directions and Evaluation; Personality Theory and Assessment
- 7. Introduction to Social Psychology Research
- 8. The Social Self ; Person Perception
- 9. Attributions; Errors and Biases in Judgement
- 10. Emotion; Disgust
- 11 Group Influence
- 12. Power and Status
This is an introduction to theory, research and applications in the scientific study of social and personality psychology. The personality section of the unit 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 subject involve acquiring a 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 unit:- an understanding of how the scientific approach to personality and social psychology differs from common sense or lay understanding;- an awareness of research methods used in personality and social psychology research; an ability to construct an overall critical evaluation of current scientific knowledge within personality or social psychology;- an understanding of the principal personality theories, research, and the controversies that arise in this field; and- an understanding of the key theories and research in the domains of social cognition, social influence and social relations.
- Tutorial - Participation in fortnightly tutorial activities (Pass/Fail)
- Qualitative analysis task (20%)
- Mid-session online test (30%)
- Invigilated examination (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
MAQ-PSYX104 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-PSYX1104-Introduction to Psychology I
and one of
MAQ-PSYX105 (Not currently available)
- MAQ-PSYX1105-Introduction to Psychology II
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-PSYX234 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PSYX234, PSY234
Pre-requisite (PSYX104 and PSYX105) or (PSYC104 and PSYC105) or (PSYU1104 and PSYU1105)
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
PSYU2234 Social and Personality Psychology
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.