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Introduction to Social, Personality & Abnormal Psychology 1 - PSY00006C

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  • Department: Psychology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sally Quinn
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Social, Personality and Abnormal Psychology address questions fundamental to our experiences of self and relationships. The overarching aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the broad issues, theories, and methods in social and abnormal psychology. Topic covered will include attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, conceptions of normality, dissociative identity disorder, addictive behaviours including social networking addiction, and drug addiction.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understand the basic concepts and theories of social behaviour.
  • Outline and evaluate the problems of defining psychological abnormality.
  • Examine the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of mental disorders.
  • Describe the therapeutic challenges of those facing mental distress.

Module content

The first half of the module will explore core issues in Social Psychology, such intergroup behaviours, prejudice and discrimination. It will examine theories which attempt to explain why we engage in such behaviour and discuss research which has addressed ways of reducing prejudice and discrimination. The second part of the module will focus on Abnormal Psychology and lectures will cover the issues around defining mental health issues, and looking how attitudes to mental 'abnormalities' have changed over recorded history. Other topics covered will be Multiple Personality Disorder and additive behaviours including drug addiction.

Indicative assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Social, Personality & Abnormal Psychology 1		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Introduction to Social, Personality & Abnormal Psychology 1		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Marks will be released via e:vision.

Indicative reading

Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M., (2011) Social Psychology (6th ed.). Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.

Kring, Ann M (2016). Abnormal Psychology (13th ed.). Chichester; Wiley.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.