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Social Psychology

Course developer

Course abstract

Students acquire knowledge about main categories of social psychology, acquire skills to apply knowledge of social psychology in solving practical tasks. During investigation on the social-psychological portrait of product designer, students evaluate their advantages and disadvantages in the chosen field of activity.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

1. Able to characterize basic concepts and research methods of social psychology - quiz
2. Understands the regularities of social behaviour necessary for successful business in product designing - 1st homework
3. Able to explore and evaluate social behaviour using the theoretical foundations and skills acquired – 3rd to 5th homework;
4. Able to acquire, select, analyse and present information by conducting research in social psychology corresponding to the chosen profession, independently– 1st & 2nd homework

Course Content(Calendar)

Full time intramural studies:
1. Psychology as a science. The role of psychology in business.
2. Basic concepts and research methods of social psychology - 3h
Quiz – basic concepts and research methods of social psychology
3. Attitudes in social psychology. Investigation of attitudes - 2h
4. The role of attitudes in motivation of social behavior. Formation and persistence of attitudes - 2h
5. Social perception. First impression, attributions, social judgments.
6. Stereotypes and prejudice - 2h
7. Social influence. Conformity, consent, subordination - 2 h
8. Self in social psychology. The role of self-schemes, self-esteem, self-efficacy, locus of control, and level of aspirations in professional communication - 2 h
9. Verbal and non-verbal communication - 2h
10. Emotional intelligence in the client-centered communication - 2 h
11. Aggression and Associative Behavior - 2h
12. Interpersonal conflicts - 2h
13. Behavior in a conflict situation. Conflict resolution - 2h
14. Social groups. Standards, roles, leadership, communication in groups, group cohesion - 2h
15. Group processes. Social facilitation, social loafing, deindividuation in the group - 2h
16. Social-psychological portrait of a successful product designer - 3 h
Presentation of the 1st homework.

Part time extramural studies:

All topics specified for full time studies are accomplished, but the number of contact hours is one half of the number specified in the calendar

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal Test A formal test by summing up a student‘s performance during a semester without an additional examination or test at the end of a study course. To successfully pass the course, and award credit points, it is mandatory:
1. Participation in at least 75% of lectures.
2. Participation in at least 75% of practical classes
3. Quiz and homework must be credited.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The 1st homework. Social-psychological portrait of the entrepreneur (the homework must be presented in the student group at the end of the course and submitted electronically before the presentation)
The 2nd homework. Investigation and evaluation of the attitudes (up to 4 pages, submitted electronically)
The 3rd homework. Self-assessment of own experience of attributional bias (up to 1 page, submitted electronically)
The 4th homework. Self-assessment of emotional intelligence (up to 1 page, submitted electronically)
The 5th homework. Self-assessment of conflict management styles (amount up to 1 page, submitted electronically)

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Homework and quizzes are evaluated in accordance with the assessment procedure specified in the homework or quiz.

Compulsory reading

1. Psiholoģija. 2: Personība, grupa, sabiedrība, kultūra. Zin. red. un autores: K. Mārtinsone, A. Miltuze. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2015. 304 lpp.
2. Dickerson P. Social Psychology: Traditional And Critical Perspectives. Harlow; New York: Pearson Education, 2012. 468 p.

Further reading

1. Kassin M.L. Social Psychology. Belmont, CA: Cengage Wadsworth, 2011. 613 p.
2. Dubkēvičs L. Organizācijas kultūra, klimats un radošums. Rīga: RAKA, 2019. 150 lpp.
3. Reņģe V. Mūsdienu organizāciju psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2007. 216 lpp.
4. Reņģe V. Savstarpējo attiecību psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2004. 116 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Biznesa Psiholoģija. Pieejams: http://www.biznesapsihologija.lv/
2. Social Psychology Network. Pieejams: https://www.socialpsychology.org/
3. Simply Psychology: Study Guides for Psychology Students. Pieejams: https://www.simplypsychology.org/

Notes

Compulsory study course in Professional Higher Education Bachelor Study Program “Design and Crafts”.