This module explores state-of-the-art knowledge regarding themes and core processes involved in the construction of social reality. It examines how individuals...

Understanding Individuals and Groups (PSYC0161)

This module explores state-of-the-art knowledge regarding themes and core processes involved in the construction of social reality. It examines how individuals make sense of self, others, and groups. Core processes include attention, encoding and retrieval of social information; social categorization; and the activation and application of social knowledge. These basic processes will be discussed in an interdisciplinary context that draws upon evidence from psychology and human-computer interaction. Lecture topics include naïve realism, anthropomorphism, uncanny valley, mind perception & morality, moral licensing, stereotypes, prejudice, and dehumanisation. Current controversies and debates of the social thinker will be discussed, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and their influence on the human mind.
Module aims: To introduce students to the socio-cognitive components of individual and group construal.
Module objectives: Through the course, students are expected to develop knowledge and understanding of a) How the individual’s cognitive make up constrains social responses and behaviour, b) How the properties of the social environment affect social judgments, c) How social relations affect perception and behaviour, d) Experimental designs in social cognition.

Through the course, students are expected to develop knowledge and understanding of a) How the individual’s cognitive make up constrains social responses and behaviour, b) How the properties of the social environment affect social judgments, c) How social relations affect perception and behaviour, d) Experimental designs in social cognition.

The module aims to introduce students to several different techniques used to study the human brain. A wide variety of techniques will be covered including f/s...