SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (SOCIOLOGY 241: 2012 Fall)

Transcription

1 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (SOCIOLOGY 241: 2012 Fall) INSTRUCTOR: Dr. W. David Pierce 1-48 Tory Building Office Phone: Office Hours: Tues 1-3 pm, or by appointment Course Textbook: The following textbook is REQUIRED for this course: Baron, R.A., Byrne, D., & Branscombe, N. R. (2012). Social Psychology (Custom Edition for U of A) with MyPsychLab Access Code. Boston: Pearson. Note: you may purchase at a reduced price an Access Code at to access the e-text (Baron, et al., 12 e) and course material. The custom edition and the e- text 12 th edition of the textbook are exactly the same. Do NOT buy a used textbook of the 12 th Edition of the textbook, Social Psychology without a useable access code. Please see the attachment at the end of the syllabus on steps to gain access and register. Also, students should NOT purchase the 13 th Edition of the textbook. Online Registration: Course ID: pierce51407 is used to register for Soc 241 at Note: you must use your ACCESS CODE and the Course ID to be fully registered for the course and to obtain credit for the online chapter tests. Course Format and Perspective: Most of our daily activity occurs in the context of other human beings. Based on this reality, the study of social behavior (including thinking and feeling) is central to an understanding of the human interaction. This course is an invitation to explore the various aspects of human social behavior that comprise the discipline of social psychology. You are asked to put aside commonsense views and adopt a scientific perspective based on observation and experimentation. The problems of the discipline (e.g., social influence or attitude and attitude change) are diverse and no theoretical integration of the findings has been achieved. In recognition of this diversity, the course is arranged to present alternative perspectives that compete today as explanations of social behavior. Learning

2 2 objectives are that students acquire a basic knowledge of the concepts, research and the alternative theories of social psychology, as applied to each course topic. The topics of the course follow the chapters covered in the basic text (i.e., Social Psychology); the lectures and readings, however, may supplement these chapters rather than summarize the points made by the textbook authors. It is expected that the lectures, the chapters of the basic text, movies and special presentations will raise many interesting questions which may generate informed discussion during the course. By the end of the course you may also find that you look at the social world from a new perspective Access to Course Material and Self-Study Quizzes MyPsychLab When you register at (pierce51407) Soc 241, Fall 2012, you have access to MyPsychLab for Social Psychology (Custom Edition) and the online e-textbook. You need to purchase an access code to get this material. This is a state-ofthe-art interactive platform that helps students master the concepts from the textbook and prepare for exams. Students have access to the e-book version of the textbook chapters, multi-media library, and practice tests. For each chapter, students may explore issues beyond the text, watch video clips related to the material, and take self-study quizzes for quick review using the multi-media library. Students may also take chapter pretests and posttests (pretest and posttest questions are not confirmed for accuracy; report inaccuracies to the technical administrators of the site NOT Dr. Pierce), after reading and studying of the chapter content. Based on pretest and posttest results a study plan is suggested to allow students to target areas that need improvement. Lecture Notes, Example of Tests, and Movies Dr. Pierce s lecture notes are available for each chapter of the textbook at (course content). The online lecture material may not correspond exactly with what is presented in class. Material is added or subtracted as determined by the instructor before and during the lecture. An example of term test questions is provided in the course content section of the Chapter 6 unit. An example of questions from the final examination appears in the Chapter 12 unit. Term tests and final examination are based on multiple choice questions. Movies that are shown during class are NOT available to students for individual viewing. Examination Requirements, Weights & Grades Online Chapter Exams Go to to take online chapter exams (found under ASSIGNMENTS). Note: Do NOT use remote D-Link to access Website; also, update your browser as specified before taking tests. Students are required to take 12 chapter

3 3 exams (25 multiple choice questions each test) and complete each set of tests by midnight on the specified dates. You may take exams at your convenience (when you have 1 hour to devote to the test) but all designated exams must be completed by the due dates. Questions are presented one at a time and cannot be changed after being submitted (no going back). You have 1 hour to complete each exam. Chapter exams 1 thru 6 must be completed by midnight..monday, Oct 15, 2012 Chapter exams 7 thru 12 must be completed by midnight...monday, Dec 3, 2012 You will receive feedback on the answers to the chapter exams after you complete the test. Students are sometimes puzzled by their scores or have problems with specific answers. The test feedback provides the textbook page(s) for the answer, but you may need to read the complete passage to understand why the answer is correct. In any case, the questions and answers have been tested on large samples of students and are correct. That is, answers to chapter exams are non-negotiable. Please do NOT contact Dr. Pierce about your disagreement with the exam answers. Term Tests and Final Examination In addition to chapter tests, there will be two Term Tests and a Final Examination, all in multiple-choice format. The term tests include questions from assigned chapters of the textbook, class lectures, movies and special presentations. The final exam is cumulative and comprehensive, testing knowledge about all assigned chapters of the textbook, as well as lectures, movies and special presentations for the entire course. An example of each term test and the final examination are given at MyPsychLab in Chapter Contents 6, 11 and 12. Weights Chapter Exams (online MyPsychLab) % Term Test 1 (Topics 1 thru 4)...25% Term Test 2 (Topics 5 thru 9)...25% Final Examination (cumulative and comprehensive)...30 % Total 100 %

4 4 Grading Grades are based on the final total of the weighted scores (out of 100) for tests and examinations. The total weighted scores (expressed to 4 decimal places) are distributed with approximately the following percentages in each letter grade and point-value category. Percentage Letter Grade Point Value 5 A A A B B B C C C D D F 0.0 Thus, the top 5% of the scores receives the letter grade of A+ and the next 7% of the scores are given A as the grade, and so on.

5 5 Policy: Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar. Academic Integrity The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at Standards/CodeofStudentBehaviour.aspx ) and avoid any behaviour that could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Learning and working environment The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment. The department urges anyone who feels that this policy is being violated to: Discuss the matter with the person whose behaviour is causing concern; or If that discussion is unsatisfactory, or there is concern that direct discussion is inappropriate or threatening, discuss it with the Chair of the Department. For additional advice or assistance regarding this policy you may contact the student ombudservice: ( ). Information about the University of Alberta Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures can be found in the GFC Policy Manual, section 44 available at Plagiarism and Cheating: All students should consult the Truth-In-Education handbook or Website ( ) regarding the definitions of plagiarism and its consequences when detected.students involved in language courses and translation courses should be aware that on-line translation engines produce very dubious and unreliable translations. Students in language courses should be aware that, while seeking the advice of native or expert speakers is often helpful, excessive editorial and creative help in assignments is considered a form of cheating that violates the code of student conduct with dire consequences. An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. Before unpleasantness occurs consult also discuss this matter with any tutor(s) and with your instructor. Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Recorded material is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the instructor.

6 6 Attendance, Absences, and Missed Grade Components: Regular attendance is essential for optimal performance in any course. In cases of potentially excusable absences due to illness or domestic affliction, notify your instructor by within two days. Regarding absences that may be excusable and procedures for addressing course components missed as a result, consult sections 23.3(1) and of the University Calendar. Be aware that unexcused absences will result in partial or total loss of the grade for the attendance and participation component(s) of a course, as well as for any assignments that are not handed-in or completed as a result. Policy for Late Assignments: Reports, assignments or quizzes submitted after the due date will NOT be graded. Date of deferred Final Examination: January 13, 2013, 9-12 noon, T-191 Lecture Topics and Readings Topic 1: Social Psychology: Understanding Social Behavior (Sept 6, 11, 13) Overview What is Social Psychology: Definition Link to evolution and neuroscience Brief history of social psychology and current trends Research in social psychology Theories of social psychology: mediating and moderating factors Readings: Textbook, Chapter 1 Movie: The Psychologist and the Experiment (Jan 11) Topic 2: Social Cognition and Social Perception (Sept 18, 20, 25) Social thinking: schemas and priming Heuristic biases in social thinking Social information: Automatic and controlled processing Sources of error in social cognition Thinking and feeling (affect and cognition) Social perception and non-verbal communication Attribution and causal reasoning about social behavior Impression formation Self-presentation and Self-perception Self-Efficacy Readings: Textbook, Chapters 2, 3, and 4 Movie: Body Language: Beyond Words (Sept 20)

7 7 Topic 3: Attitude Formation and Change (Oct 2, 4) The definition of attitude Formation and learning of attitudes Attitudes and behavior: When is there a link? Persuasion and attitude change Cognitive Dissonance and attitude change A self-perception view of dissonance effects Readings: Textbook, Chapters 5 Movie: Cognitive Dissonance (Oct 4) Topic 4: Prejudice and Discrimination (Oct 9, 11) Definitions of prejudice and discrimination Prejudice in Canada and Alberta Sources of prejudice and discrimination Social learning of prejudice and discrimination Stereotyping according to gender, race or ethnicity Breaking the cycle of intolerance, hate and hostility Readings: Textbook, Chapter 6 Movie: A class divided (update) (Oct 11) TERM TEST 1: Oct 16 Topics 1 thru 4 [Chapters 1 to 6] Topic 5: Interpersonal Attraction and Close Relationships (Oct 18, 23) Evaluation and preference Friendship, choice and the matching law Determinants of interpersonal attraction Theories of interpersonal attraction and mating Close relationships Dissolution of close relationships Readings: Textbook, Chapter 7

8 8 Topic 6: Social Influence (Oct 25, 30) The process of norm formation Conformity: normative and informational social influence Social modeling and observational learning Compliance tactics: how to ask and receive Obedience: obeying the commands of legitimate authority Readings: Textbook, Chapter 8 Movie: Obedience (Oct 30) Topic 7: Cooperation, and Helping Behavior (Nov 1, 6) Cooperation and competition Resolving Interpersonal conflict Bystander intervention in emergencies Social learning and social traps Biology and altruism Readings: Textbook, Chapter 9 Movie: Bystander Intervention (Nov 6) ***No Class on Tuesday November 13 th (Remembrance Day) Topic 8: Aggression: Determinants and Modification (Nov 8, 15) Theories of aggressive behavior Determinants of aggression Social learning of aggression Pornography, violence and aggression toward women Modification of aggression and violence Readings: Textbook, Chapter 10 Movies: Emotional Development: Aggression (Nov 8) Topic 9: Group Processes and Social Exchange (Nov 20, 22) Social facilitation - mere presence of others Social exchange and equity Group polarization Group structure and processes: power and status Groupthink and historical blunders Contingency model of leadership Collective behavior: de-individuation and contagion Readings: Textbook, Chapter 11 Movie: Groupthink (and update) (Nov 20)

9 9 Term Test 2: Nov 27 Topics 5 thru 9 [Chapters 7 thru 11] Topic 10: Applied Social Psychology (Nov 29, Dec 4) Social psychology of obesity The stigma of body weight Anorexia nervosa and activity anorexia Adaptive value of an obese-prone genotype during food depletion Eyewitness testimony and the legal system Repressed or false memory: legal implications Readings: Textbook, Chapter 12 Movies: Exercise Anorexia (Nov 29) Satanic Ritual Abuse (Dec 4) Final Examination Tuesday December 11, 2 pm (comprehensive and cumulative) Check Official Schedule for Date & Time Deferred Final Exam: Saturday, January 13, am to 12 noon, T1-91

10 10 Instructions from Publisher MyPsychLab Course Registration Instructions Dear Student, Your instructor chose a MyLab to help you succeed in this course. With rich media, your etext, and much more, your course provides you with the resources you need to master even the most difficult concepts. Your course is designed to help you get a better grade! What You Need to Enroll in your Instructor s Online Course A valid address that you check regularly This address will be used to confirm your registration and for other communication about the course. Your instructor will also use this address to communicate with you. A student access code (Or, you can pay with a credit card or a PayPal account.) This pre-paid code is printed inside the Student Access Code Card. The code card may be packaged with your new textbook or it may be available for purchase separately from your school s bookstore. Your instructor may also provide you with a Course or Class ID for your MyLab: If your instructor has provided you with a Course ID, you will be prompted for it during registration: A Course ID: pierce51407 To Register and Sign in to Your Instructor s Course the First Time Go to Click Student under Register. Select Yes, I have a Course ID and enter it when prompted and the box should turn green as seen below: Choose one of the three enrolment options. If your book came with an access code click Use Access Code. If your book did not come with an access code you can purchase access with a credit card or via PayPal by choosing Pay with a credit card or PayPal. If you are awaiting financial aid you may also request temporary access by choosing Request Temporary Access. Read and accept the licensing agreement. You have a Pearson account if you have used other Pearson online products. If you have a Pearson account, click Yes when prompted and enter your

11 11 username and password. You will need to add your access code to during the registration process to receive access to this particular MyLab. If you don t have a Pearson account, click No or Not sure to search for possible accounts. Complete your account set up by entering your name, address, a username and password, and any other required information. Complete the registration process. Print the Confirmation & Summary To Join Your Instructor s Course if you have a course ID: After completing the registration process, click Join a Class Enter Your Class ID and click Next. Review your course information and click Next. You are now registered for your instructor s course! You now have access to your instructor s online course. Click Go To Your Course, and then in the middle panel labeled Your Courses and Products click the course name to start your work. To Sign in to Your Course Again Later Return to or Click Sign In. Enter your Pearson account username and password and click Sign In. In the Your Courses and Products panel, click the course name to continue your work.