Social Psychology

Objectives

By the end of the semester students should be able to:

1. Understand the psychological component of different social interaction situations;

2. Understand the importance of the psychological component in interpersonal relationships;

3. Develop attitudes of observation, research, analysis and thinking on social behaviour issues.

Program

This course is organized into four thematic units. The first discusses the evolution, the subject of study and research methods in social psychology. The second unit, on individual cases, focuses on attitudes and social perception. The third addresses interpersonal processes (inter-individual communication regarding self-assertive communication, nonverbal communication and self-expression of emotions, as well as some issues on interpersonal relationships). The fourth unit addresses group processes, namely the phenomena of social influence (processes of social facilitation, group decisions and group cohesion, phenomena of conformity, submission and obedience).

Teaching Methodologies

Teaching methodology combines dialogued expository sessions on certain topics (based on PowerPoint presentations) with student-centred classes. These based on oral presentations on individual or group work developed within or outside the classroom.

Bibliography

Berkowitz, L. (1986). A survey of Social Psychology, 3rd ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc

Buunk, A. P. & Vugt, M. V. (2008). Applying social psychology. From problems to solutions. London: Sage

Fisher, G. N. (2002). Os conceitos fundamentais da Psicologia Social. Lisboa: Instituto Piaget

Lima, L. M., Castro, P., & Garrido, M. (Org.) (2003). Temas e debates em Psicologia Social. Lisboa: Livros Horizonte

Myers, D. G. (2004). Exploring Social Psychology (3th ed.). New York: Mc Graw-Hill

Neto, F. (1998). Psicologia Social, Vol. I. Lisboa: Universidade Aberta

Steg, L., Buunk, A. P., & Rothengatter, T. (Eds.) (2008). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Managing

Social Problems. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press

Vala, J., & Monteiro, M. B. (Coord.) (2000).Psicologia Social (4ª Ed.). Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Vala, J., Garrido, M., & Alcobia, P. (2004).Percursos da Investigação em Psicologia Social e Organizacional. Vol. I. Lisboa: Edições Colibri