Applied Research in Social Psychology

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Applied Research in Social Psychology (PSY405)

Synopsis

PSY405 Applied Research in Social Psychology is an advanced course that emphasises the real- world applications of social psychology. The course will discuss the relevance of applied social psychology for understanding and addressing real-world issues such as inequality, education, social behaviours, interpersonal relationships, public health, politics, and so on. The course will also provide hands-on experience in designing, conducting, analysing, and presenting applied research projects that address important issues in social psychology. Through this course, students will gain an appreciation of social psychology’s real-world applications and will also gain quantitative research experience. Basic knowledge of research methods (e.g., from PSY391) prior to taking this course is required.

Level: 4
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JAN

Topics

Theories in social psychology
Controversies in social psychology
Advancing social psychology
Applied social psychology in the real world
Social psychological interventions
Conducting a literature review
Designing social psychological studies
Moderators and mediators
Measurement issues in social psychology
Making sense of quantitative data
Presenting research findings
The future of social psychology

Learning Outcome

Examine how different theories and findings in social psychology can be applied in the real world
Assess the strengths and limitations of different methodological approaches in applied social psychological research
Formulate research questions based on gaps identified in previous research
Design research studies to investigate key questions of interest in the field of social psychology
Analyse and interpret quantitative data to address research questions in applied social psychology
Propose plausible solutions and research directions on major issues in social psychology based on empirical evidence
Critique research projects in applied social psychology