Course coordinator
Dr Michael Thai
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
How are your feelings and actions influenced by other people? This course explores how the social environment affects behaviour, thinking and attitudes of individuals and groups. Topics include love and hate, conformity and individuality, group processes, communication and psychology in the work environment.
This course provides students with a solid understanding of theories and methods used to investigate questions in social and organisational psychology. Lectures provide an overview of theoretical frameworks and empirical research on various topics, including the self, social perception, attitudes, belonging and groups, stereotyping and prejudice, love and attraction. The tutorial component of the course guides students through the research process, from designing a study, to collecting and analysing data, to writing up a report. The tutorials will also includeﾠinteractive exercises and discussions that will supplement the topics covered in lecture. Overall, the course will equip students to go on to 3rd year advanced courses in social and organisational psychology.
Course requirements
Assumed background
PSYC2040 is a 2-unit course. Do not take this course if you have notﾠcompleted the recommended prerequisites.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PSYC1020 or PSYC1030
Companion or co-requisite courses
You'll need to complete the following courses at the same time:
PSYC1040, if not taken in first year
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Michael Thai
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- Develop an understanding of the various theoretical frameworks that account for a social phenomenon or question.
- Develop an understanding of the empirical evidence that underpins theoretical frameworks in social and organisational psychology.
- Develop an understanding of the methodological, ethical, and practical considerations involved in conducting research in social and organisational psychology.
- Develop an understanding of how research contributes to the development of knowledge in, and applications of, social and organisational psychology.
- Apply social psychological constructs/theories in everyday life and to understand ongoing real-world issues or social problems.
- Understand the relevance of social psychological concepts/theories to the context of culturally diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify the key terminology and concepts developed to systematically investigate social phenomena.
LO2.
Compare and contrast various theoretical frameworks that have been proposed to account for a social phenomenon.
LO3.
Evaluate the empirical evidence for various theoretical frameworks.
LO4.
Apply social psychological constructs/theories in everyday life and to understand ongoing real-world issues or social problems.
LO5.
Design, plan, and conduct a research study; analyse data and interpret the results.
LO6.
Develop and write a standard research report, including introduction, method, results, and discussion.
LO7.
Develop the knowledge and skills that build a capacity in cultural responsiveness to better understand the experiences of underrepresented groups in society, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Quiz, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Application Questions
|
10% |
17/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Application questions will be administered in tutorials in the following weeks: Week 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 Two application questions will be administered in the Week 11 tutorial. |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection | Media Diary | 10% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Report
|
40% (attempt must be made to pass this course) |
9/05/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% (attempt must be made to pass this course) |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Application Questions
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Quiz, Reflection, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
17/03/2025 - 30/05/2025
Application questions will be administered in tutorials in the following weeks: Week 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13
Two application questions will be administered in the Week 11 tutorial.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
- Students will be asked to complete a short answer question during tutorials from Week 4 - 13 (tutors will explain this assessment piece in further detail in the Week 2 tutorial).
- There will be 9 application questions across 8 tutorials (two application questions will be administered in the Week 11 tutorial).
- Each application question is worth 2 marks.
- At the end of semester, the best 5 (out of 9) attempts will be summed for a mark out of 10.
- The application question will require students to apply one concept raised in the previous week's lecture to a real world problem.
- Students will get clear guidance in tutorials about the material they need to have reviewed prior to the application question the following week.
- There is no alternative assessment for the application questions. If you a miss a tutorial, simply complete the application question at the next one.
Submission guidelines
Each application question will be completed during tutorials.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As students are able to miss 4 application questions and still earn full marks, there is no extension for this assessment piece.
Media Diary
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Task description
- The Media Diary assessment will test your understanding of the concepts and theories covered in lectures.
- Each week, you will be tasked with finding one piece of media that demonstrates any concept/theory covered in lecture that week.
- You will be required to identify and explain the specific concept/theory that is reflected in the media piece you have selected.
- You will record this analysis in a media diary, which you will submit for assessment at the end of the semester.
- Tutors can give verbal feedback to let you know whether you are on the right track during tutorials throughout the semester.
- Further details will be provided on Blackboard.
Submission guidelines
This assessment should be submitted online using Turnitin. Electronic checks will be conducted to identify instances of plagiarism and collusion.
Always keep a copy of any assignment that you submit for marking.
Note: You will no longer receive an automatic submission receipt from Turnitin confirming your assignment has been received. You should download a copy of the digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard and keep this as a record.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Research Report
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40% (attempt must be made to pass this course)
- Due date
9/05/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
- This assignment involves writing a research report (containing Abstract, Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion, and Reference section) on an assigned topic.
- The research project will be developed and explained in a series of tutorials over the course of the semester. Students are directly involved in contributing ideas and collecting data for the project.
- Tutorial attendance is essential to understanding the research project and how to write up the research report.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the course.Submission guidelines
This assessment should be submitted online using Turnitin. Electronic checks will be conducted to identify instances of plagiarism and collusion.
Always keep a copy of any assignment that you submit for marking.
Note: You will no longer receive an automatic submission receipt from Turnitin confirming your assignment has been received. You should download a copy of the digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard and keep this as a record.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% (attempt must be made to pass this course)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
- The final exam is administered by Central Exams and will be in the scheduled University exam period.
- The final exam will consist of only multiple choice questions.
- The questions will assess the content presented in lectures across the entire semester (Weeks 1 - 12).
- More information will be provided over the course of the semester.
- If, owing to exceptional circumstances, you are unable to sit the final exam, you must complete an online application on mySi-net. The full details can be found in point 5.3 of this profile. The Course Coordinator and Course Administrator cannot authorise deferred exams and have no control over these decisions: The application is assessed by university-wide exam administrators.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the course.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
An attempt must be made at the research report and the final exam to pass the course. If you do not attempt one or more of these assessments but achieve a passing percentage mark, you will receive a grade of 3.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- The Research Report has a maximum word length (which includes everything but the title, abstract, and reference section). Assignments that exceed this limit will be penalised. The extent of the penalty will be commensurate with the size of the word length violation, measured as a percentage. For example, if an assignment is 20% over-length, the final mark will be reduced by 20%. If an assignment is 50% over-length, the final mark will be reduced by 50%, and so on. We ask that you provide a word count on the title page of your Research Report.
- The School of Psychology policy on re-marks applies to PSYC2040. That is, if students feel the mark for an assignment is not appropriate, they should first speak to the marker (tutor) to gain a better understanding of the mark. If the student still feels the mark is inappropriate after consulting with the marker, the student should request a re-mark in writing (using the request for re-mark form that is available on the PSYC2040 Blackboard page in the course materials section). The re-mark constitutes the final mark. Keep in mind that a re-mark has one of three possible outcomes: (1) the mark may stay the same; (2) the mark may be decreased; or (3) the mark may be increased. Please consult the university remark policy for further information Assessment Procedure / Document / Policy and Procedure Libraryﾠ
- Efforts will be made to return marked assessment within three weeks of submission. UQ policy dictates that the mark on the final piece of assessment is released only after the course grades are released.
- It is students' responsibility to incorporate feedback into their learning, to make use of the assessment criteria that they are given, and to be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment. Feedback regarding assessment practices is welcome.
- The Research Report and Final Exam must all be attempted to pass this course. You may pass the course without completing the Application Questions and Media Diary assessment (provided you achieve a 50 or above in the course). However, if you do not achieve a 50 or above in the course, but have not attempted either the Application Questions or Media Diary, you will not be given the opportunity to complete them retrospectively.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
LEARNING AND STUDYING
- All course material can be accessed through Blackboard (https://learn.uq.edu.au/).
- The lectures will be delivered live in person. The lecture slides will be posted on Blackboard before the lecture. The lecture will also be recorded and this recording will be posted on Blackboard soon after the lecture.ﾠIf students should miss a lecture, they should view the recording as soon as practical.
- Attendance at tutorials is critical to doing well on the research report assignment. Attend tutorials, take part in the tutorial exercises, and make sure to ask questions when points are unclear.
- A Cultural Safety in Practice Module (Contemporary Health 2024) has been embedded into PSYC2040 as part of a HABS-wide initiative to develop cultural competencies in students.
QUESTIONS, DIFFICULTIES, AND PROBLEMS
- Questions that relate to lectures and the Cultural Safety in Practice Moduleﾠshould be addressed to the lecturer. Questions can be posted to the Padlet (linked on Blackboard), sent via email, or asked directly after the lectures (if time permits).
- Issues to do with the tutorials should, in the first instance, be directed to your tutor. If this fails, you can contact the Course Coordinator (Dr Michael Thai).
- Administrative matters and more general issues that are not to do with lecture or tutorial content, but are to do with the course as a whole,ﾠshould be directed to the Course Administration team (py-undergrad@psy.uq.edu.au).
- See School of Psychology Student Guidelines for important information regarding applying for an extension.
- Tutors should be viewed as an important resource for students.ﾠIf you are having trouble with the assignment, or if you want to discuss issues raised in the tutorials, see your tutor.ﾠPlease remember that tutors are postgraduate students who are employed on a contract basis for a limited number of hours.ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction This lecture will provide an overview of the course and an introduction to the different methodologies used in social and organisational psychology. |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Introduction This tutorial provides on overview of the tutorial program and key assessment pieces, and a brief introduction to the topic of the Research Report. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
The Self This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to the self. |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Report: Overview & Brainstorming The first of a series of tutorials to help you prepare for the Research Report assignment. This tutorial will introduce you to the research project and give you an opportunity to work together to suggest variables you would like to investigate as part of the project. Here, you will be directly contributing to the design of the study. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. The first application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Social Cognition This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to social cognition. |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Report: Hypotheses & Introduction This tutorial will outline the variables to be included in the final research project. You will be asked to work together to formulate hypotheses for each of these variables. This tutorial will also cover the information you will need to include in the Introduction section of your Research Report. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. The second application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Attitudes This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to attitudes. |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Report: Method This tutorial will cover the information you will need to include in the Method section of your Research Report. Participant recruitment procedures for the research project will be explained to you so that you can assist in data collection. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. The third application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Attitude Change This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to attitude change. |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Report: Results + Discussion You will be presented with the results from our research project (exciting!) and your tutor will guide you through how to interpret the results. This tutorial will also cover the information you will need to include in the Results and Discussion sections of your Research Report. By the end of this tutorial, you will have all the information you need to write up the bulk of your Research Report. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. The fourth application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Social Influence This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to social influence. |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Report: Abstract & APA Formatting This tutorial will cover the information you will need to include in the Abstract of your Research Report. It will also go over APA 7th formatting rules that your final report should adhere to. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. The fifth application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Groups & Belonging This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to groups and belonging. |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Prejudice This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to prejudice. |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Media Diary: Check-in You will engage in lecture-related activities/discussions. Tutors will check in and provide guidance on the Media Diary. The sixth and seventh application questions will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Antisocial & Prosocial Behaviour This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to prosocial and antisocial behaviour. |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
PSYC2040 Trivia: Part I You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. You will then participate in the first of two trivia competitions (the second to be held in the following tutorial). This week's trivia will test your recall of lecture content from Week 1 - 6. The eighth application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Love & Attraction This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research relating to love and attraction. |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
PSYC2040 Trivia: Part II This will be the final scheduled tutorial. You will engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. You will then participate in the second trivia competition. This week's trivia will test your recall of lecture content from Week 7 - 12. The ninth and final application question will be administered this week. |
Lecture |
Current Issues & Postgraduate Pathways We will start with a discussion of current issues in social psychology (non-assessable). The teaching team will then host a Q&A panel discussion for interested students to ask them anything about their postgraduate pathways (e.g., what they're doing, how they got there). |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: