PSY-3790 Social Psychology
The goal of social psychology is to understand and explain how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real, imagined, and implied presence of other people. A core tenet of social psychology is the acknowledgment that people are highly influenced by social situations and that how we act, feel, and think is not solely a byproduct of our personalities. This course provides students with an overview of research and theories in social psychology, focusing on scientific approaches to the study of social behavior. It aims to teach students how to understand, appreciate, and criticize an empirical study in social psychology. The course emphasizes an understanding of the important scientific methods, findings, and principles in the field of social psychology, which it then applies to everyday life and to broader social problems.