PLMSIDSLT-Social psychology and individual differences for speech and language therapy

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Co-requisite: All MSc SLT compulsory modules
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Emma Pagnamenta
Email: e.pagnamenta@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a focus on the interplay between the two disciplines. Specifically, students will examine various aspects of social cognition, perception and behaviour, with considerations as to how these can vary as a function of individual differences (for example, culture, gender, and personality). While the module covers contemporary topics within social psychology and individual differences, it simultaneously acknowledges the historical developments in both disciplines. This module is delivered at the 51ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø.Ìý

Aims:

This module will deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of core topics within social psychology and individual differences. It aims to facilitate students’ understanding of the complex interplay between typical social phenomena and individual differences within those phenomena, and does so by familiarising students with theories and research in these domains as well as possible applications in the speech and language therapy context. The topics will be expanded on during seminars.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will be able to:Ìý

• Describe and critically evaluate key areas of research in social psychology and individual differences as well as apply these to the speech and language therapy context


• Explain how individual differences interact with situational factors to shape social cognition, perception and behaviourÌý


• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of specific areas within social psycholo gy and individual differences


• Demonstrate a broad understanding of social psychology and individual differences and apply these in the speech and language therapy context

Additional outcomes:

This module will encourage students to think holistically in relation to psychological evidence, and to consider the complex interplay between two distinct disciplines. Students will also gain an insight into the historical developments within the fields of social psychology and individual differences and during seminars, will be applying these concepts in the field of speech and language therapy

Furthermore, the teaching and assessment methods will encourage the development of various competencies and skills. For example, the seminar activities may include team-work, opportunities for oral communication, and the use of effective debating skills. The seminar essay will promote the development of numerous skills such as information retrieval, written communication, critical analysis, self-management, creativity. Finally, the structure of the seminars will allow for reflective practice via the opportunity to engage with feedback.Ìý

Outline content:

This module explores core topics within social psychology and individual differences, with a specific focus on the interplay between the two. As such, many topics in social psychology will additionally consider individual differences related to said topics (for example, the influence of personality on prejudice). Topics in social psychology and individual differences might include: social cognition and perception; self-regulation, emotion-regulation and motivation; social behaviours, such as prosocial behaviour and aggression; the self, self-concept and self-esteem; intergroup relations and prejudice; attitudes and attitude change.

Global context:

This module will consider the global context of the research and its approaches, with an aim to improve students’ understanding of how social psychology and individual differences can be context-bound.? Internationally-relevant examples will be used to illustrate international similarities and differences within the fields.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module is taught via 10 two-hour lectures, each supported by recommended reading.Ìý

Teaching methods include the following:Ìý

• Lectures on social psychology and individual differences.Ìý


• Recommended reading in social psychology and individual differences.Ìý


• Seminar groups providing the opportunity to discuss topics in social psychology and individual differences with relevance to speech an d language therapy


• There is also an online discussion board open for the duration of the module, where students may post questions. This will be checked weekly during Autumn term, and any questions will be responded to by the relevant member of teaching staff.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

This module is assessed via examination (50%) and coursework (50%)Ìý

The Summer exam (50%) will require students to demonstrate their broad knowledge and understanding of topics covered across the module.Ìý

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed via examination (50%) and coursework (50%)Ìý

Coursework comprises continuous assessment questions based around the topics covered in seminars.Ìý

Formative assessment methods:

During the seminars, students will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback.Ìý

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 􀀓Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes􀀔, which can be found here: