PSYC251 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY I

Course Code:3710251
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Psychology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. BANU CİNGÖZ ULU
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

This course aims to introduce psychology students to some basic and applied areas of social psychology. By the end of this course, you will be able to

evaluate fundamental topics of social psychology,

distinguish between different approaches within social psychology,

comprehend different methods used in social psychological research,

think through social psychological concepts in making sense of the social behaviour,

examine the impact of social-psychological factors on individuals’ perception, behaviour and social relations in daily life


Course Content

Introduction to the field and methods of social psychology; historical perspective, review of theoretical and empirical work related to areas such as social perception, cognition, attitude formation, change and measurement.


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this course, students:

  • correctly define what social psychology is
  • describe social psychology's various domains of study
  • distinguish between the methods that it uses and the conclusions that can be drawn by them
  • identify basic theories and concepts in domains of social thinking (the self, social cognition, attribution), attitudes and social influence (attitude change and persuasion.
  • match daily life examples to the premises of basic theories and concepts
  • use social psychology theories and approaches to explain their own behaviours, judgments, attitudes, and interactions
  • apply social psychological concepts and theories to social issues, daily lives, media, movies and other activities / cultural products
  • contribute to in-class discussions in English

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Solid background in basic theories and approaches in psychology
2Skills to follow both national and international publications and developments in the discipline and to obtain and interpret new information in the light of acquired theoretical knowledge
3Awareness of the value of continuing educational practices such as in-service trainings, seminars, and conferences to keep career-relevant knowledge and skills up-to-date
4Skills to conduct research based on basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics as well as the ability to present and disseminate research findings both orally and in writing
5Knowledge and skills about conducting research and practice by adhering to ethical guidelines
6Skills in oral and written communication both in Turkish and English as well as preferably learning a third language
7Skills to work in teams that involve disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects
8Critical thinking skills in following the psychological literature together with the psychology-related information appearing in popular media
9Skills to generate practical and culture-sensitive solutions to problems
10Awareness of societal, environmental, and economic factors in professional practice and research
11Skills to lead and pioneer in the profession of psychology, either in academia or professional practice
12Skills in independent and team work

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution