Course coordinator
Dr Hema Preya Selvanathan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- 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.ﾠThe 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. 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Media Diary
|
10% |
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024 |
| Quiz |
Quiz
|
40% attempt must be made to pass this course |
Quiz 1 4/09/2024 - 6/09/2024 Quiz 2 23/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Quizzes will open at 8AM on Wednesday and close at 5PM on Friday on the dates specified. The quiz must be completed during this time. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Report
|
35% attempt must be made to pass this course |
16/10/2024 12:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection |
Class Activities
|
15% |
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024 |
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
Media Diary
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024
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 for assessment each week.
- 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.
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.
Quiz
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 40% attempt must be made to pass this course
- Due date
Quiz 1 4/09/2024 - 6/09/2024
Quiz 2 23/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
Quizzes will open at 8AM on Wednesday and close at 5PM on Friday on the dates specified. The quiz must be completed during this time.
Task description
- There will be two quizzes during the semester.
- The quizzes will be online non-invigilated, open-book quizzes on Blackboard.
- Each quiz will consist of 40 multiple choice questions (0.5 points each).
- Students will have 60 minutes to complete the quiz.
- A link to the quiz will be posted on Blackboard under Assessment.
- Students will be able to access the online quiz at any time once it is available on Blackboard, but the quiz must be completed in one sitting.
- Students should be aware that the due time listed is the last time to submit their quiz. While blackboard may let you commence the quiz prior to the due time, any quizzes found to have been completed post the due time will be excluded from your final mark. For example, if the quiz is due at 5pm, students should aim to start the quiz at 4pm to allow sufficient time to complete and submit the quiz.
Hurdle requirements
This assessment must be attempted to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
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.
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% attempt must be made to pass this course
- Due date
16/10/2024 12:00 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 courseSubmission 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.
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.
Class Activities
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
29/07/2024 - 14/10/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
- This assessment involves completing brief written responses during lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. To participate, students must attend lectures and tutorials.
- Activities will be completed on Blackboard by responding to a short answer question that is password-protected. The questions will typically involve self-reflection and sharing opinions or experiences relevant to course content.
- Each activity is worth 1%.
- There will be 10 lecture activities, with your top 8 activities contributing towards your final score (8%).
- There will be 9 tutorial activities, with your top 7 activities contributing towards your final score (7%).
- In total, lecture and tutorial activities will be tallied. You only need to participate in 8 lecture activities and 7 tutorial activities to earn full marks (15%)
- There is no alternative assessment for the class activity. If you a miss one activity, simple complete the next one.
Submission guidelines
Each class activity will be completed during class (lectures and tutorials). Responses will be submitted on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
As students are able to miss 2 lecture activities and 2 tutorial activities and still earn full marks, there is no extension for this assessment piece.
Late submission
No late submissions are allowed.
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. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- The Research Reportﾠhas 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.ﾠThat 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.ﾠ
- 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.
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
- 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. The lecture slides will also be posted to Blackboard each week. Students should viewﾠthe lecture beforeﾠattending the subsequent tutorials.
- Attending the tutorials is critical to doing well in theﾠcourse, especially the assignments. Attend tutorials, take part in the tutorial exercises, and make sure to ask questions when points are unclear.
- All course material placed on the web can be accessed through Blackboard (https://learn.uq.edu.au/).
- Students should note that tutors are not responsible for the lecture content of the course, nor do they set the assessment for the course.
ﾠ
QUESTIONS, DIFFICULTIES, AND PROBLEMS
- Questionsﾠthat relate to specific lectures should be addressed to the lecturer (DrﾠHema 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 (DrﾠHema 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 CourseﾠAdministrator (py-undergrad@psy.uq.edu.au).
- Tutors are an important resource for students.ﾠIf you are having trouble with the assignment, or if you want to discuss issues raised in the tutorials, please 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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Lecture |
Course Introduction |
Week 2 (29 Jul - 04 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Introduction This tutorial will provide an overview of the tutorial program, an overview of the Application Question and Media Analysis assignment pieces, and a brief introduction to the topic of the Research Report. |
Lecture |
The Self |
|
Week 3 (05 Aug - 11 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Brainstorming 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 |
|
Week 4 (12 Aug - 18 Aug) |
Lecture |
Attitudes |
Week 5 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Formulating 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 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
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. You will be able to carry out data collection this week. |
Lecture |
Social Influence |
|
Week 8 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Writing Introduction This tutorial will cover information you will need to include in the Introduction section of your Research Report. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Groups & Belonging |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Results of Survey 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. |
Lecture |
Prejudice |
|
Mid Sem break (23 Sep - 29 Sep) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break - No tutorial |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-semester break - No lecture |
|
Week 10 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Writing Discussion Learn how to write the Discussion section of your Research Report. You will also engage in lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Antisocial & Prosocial Behaviour |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Finishing Touches Learn how to write the Abstract section of your Research Report. This tutorial will also cover the basics of APA 7th Edition formatting rules that your report should adhere to. This will be the last tutorial to receive guidance on the Research Report before it is due. You will also engage in a lecture-related activity/discussion. |
Lecture |
Wrongdoing & Forgiveness |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 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 |
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: