Course coordinator
Dr Hema Preya Selvanathan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- 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 include interactive exercises and discussions that will supplement the topics covered in lecture. 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 Hema Preya Selvanathan
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.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Class Activities
|
15% |
4/08/2025 - 20/10/2025 |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection |
Media Diary
|
10% |
31/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Report
|
35% |
10/10/2025 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
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
Class Activities
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
4/08/2025 - 20/10/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
- This assessment involves completing brief written responses during lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. To participate, students should attend lectures and tutorials.
- Activities will be completed by responding to a short answer question. The questions will typically involve self-reflection and sharing opinions or experiences relevant to course content each week.
- Each activity is worth 1%.
- There will be 11 lecture activities and 9 tutorial activities (20 activities in total) from Week 2 to 12.
- Marks from your top 15 activities will contribute to your final score for this assessment piece (15%).
- In total, lecture and tutorial activities will be tallied. You only need to participate in 15 activities (a combination of lecture and tutorial activities) to earn full marks.
- If you a miss one activity, you can simple complete the next one.
- There will be an alternative assessment on Blackboard (Learn.UQ) if you are unable to attend class that week. These are brief quizzes related to each week's lecture content.
- The alternative assessment will be open for at least 7 days after lecture each week.
Submission guidelines
Each class activity will be administered in class (during lectures and tutorials).
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As students are able to miss 5 activities and still earn full marks, there is no extension for this assessment piece. If you miss class activities during the semester, you can simply complete the next class activity or you may choose to complete the alternative assessment if you are unable to attend class.
Media Diary
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
31/10/2025 1:00 pm
Task description
- The Media Diary assessment will test your understanding of the concepts and theories covered in lecture.
- 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 at the end of semester for marking.
- During tutorials throughout the semester, tutors can give verbal feedback to let you know whether you are on the right track.
- Further details will be provided on Blackboard (Learn.UQ).
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
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
10/10/2025 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%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
Task description
- The exam is administered by UQ Central Exams and will be scheduled during the University examination period.
- The exam will consist of multiple choice questions.
- The questions will assess content presented in lectures across the entire semester (Week 1 to Week 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 the School of Psychology Student Guidelines of this profile. Please note that the Course Coordinator and Course Administrator in the School cannot authorise deferred exams and have no control over these decisions: The application is assessed by university-wide central 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.
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 both 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
- Detailed assessment information will be released on Blackboard (Learn.UQ).
- 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%.ﾠIf 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 assignment.
- 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 (your 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 (via MyRequests).ﾠThe 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.
- Efforts will be made to return marked assignments 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.
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 placed on the web can be accessed through Blackboard (https://learn.uq.edu.au/).
- The lectures will be delivered live in person during the scheduled lecture time. The lectures will be recorded and will be posted on Blackboard automatically soon after lecture. The lecture slides will be posted to Blackboard before the lecture each week. If students miss a lecture, they should view the lecture recording as soon as possible.
- Attending the tutorials is critical to doing well in the course. The tutorials will focus on the Research Report and Media Diary. Attend tutorials, take part in the tutorial exercises, and make sure to ask questions when points are unclear.
ﾠ
QUESTIONS, DIFFICULTIES, AND PROBLEMS
- Questionsﾠthat relate to specific lectures should be addressed to the lecturer (Dr Hema Preya Selvanathan). Questions can be posted to the Padlet (linked on Blackboard), sent via email, or asked directly after the lecture each week.
- Issues to do with the tutorials should, in the first instance, be directed to your tutor.ﾠIf this fails, you can contact the Course Coordinator (Dr Hema PreyaﾠSelvanathan).
- Administrative matters and more general issues that are not to do with specific lectures or tutorials, but are to do with the course as a whole, should be directed to the Course Administration Team (py-undergrad@psy.uq.edu.au).
- Tutors are an important resource for students. If you are having trouble with the assignment, or if you want to discuss issues raised in the tutorials, please see your tutor. Remember that tutors are typically postgraduate students who are employed on a contract basis for a limited number of hours.
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 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
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 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Introduction This tutorial will provide an overview of the tutorial program, and an overview of the Research Report and Media Diary assignments. |
Lecture |
The Self This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about the self. For example, how do we think about ourselves and how does this influence our attitudes and behaviours? |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Brainstorming This tutorial focuses on introducing students to the research project. You will work collaboratively to suggest variables and research questions you would like to investigate as part of the research project. You will be directly contributing to the design of the study. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Social Cognition This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about social cognition. For example, what factors shape the judgements we make of others? |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Attitudes This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about attitudes. For example, what are attitudes, and how do we come to hold attitudes about a variety of issues, topics, and things? |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Hypotheses This tutorial will finalise variables to be included in the research project and you will work together to formulate hypotheses. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Attitude Change This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about attitude change. For example, what factors contribute to attitude change and what prevents us from changing our attitudes? |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Research Method This tutorial will cover information you will need to include in Method section of your Research Report. Participant recruitment procedures will be explained so that you can begin data collection for the research project. |
Lecture |
Social Influence This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about social influence. For example, why does the presence of an audience change our behaviours, and how do factors like social norms and power influence our behaviours? |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Writing Introduction This tutorial will focus on how to write the Introduction section of your Research Report. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Groups & Belonging This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about groups and our belonging to groups. For example, what is the effect of not belonging to a group, and how do groups influence us? |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Prejudice This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about prejudice. For example, what are the different forms of prejudice, and how do people come to hold prejudice? |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Results You will interpret and discuss the results from the research project. Learn how to write the Results section of your Research Report. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Research Report: Discussion + Finishing Touches You will learn how to write the Discussion section of your Research Report, as well as the Abstract and APA formatting required to finish off your assignment. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Prejudice Reduction This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about prejudice reduction. For example, what strategies can be used to reduce prejudice, and how effective are they? |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break - No tutorial |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break - No lecture |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Antisocial & Prosocial Behaviour This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about antisocial and prosocial behaviours. For example, when and why do people behave in cruel and kind ways? |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Media Diary: Check-in Tutors will check in and provide guidance on the Media Diary. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Wrongdoing & Forgiveness This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about wrongdoing and forgiveness. For example, what does it take to repair a relationship after a wrongdoing has occurred? |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Finale This will be the final scheduled tutorial. Students will learn about post-graduate pathways in psychology. You will also engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Love & Attraction This lecture will cover theories, concepts, and research about love and attraction. For example, why are we attracted to others, and what factors shape relationship satisfaction? |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Revision This lecture will focus on revision and will cover practice exam questions to help students prepare for the final exam. |
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 for 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: