Module Code - Title:
PS6062
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ADVANCED PERSPECTIVES IN SOCIAL IDENTITY RESEARCH
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is develop students understanding group levels of analysis in social psychology and how this has been informed by social identity and self categorisation theories. This module will make particular attempts to apply these theoretical approaches to contemporary social issues.
Syllabus:
The module will give an overview to traditional social identity theory and later developments in the self categorisation approach. Particular emphasis will be placed on theoretical advances in the field over the last two decades emphasising the emotional components of identity, the strategic use of identity and the multidimensionality and multiplicity of identities. We will cover applications in the areas of health psychology, organisational psychology, and clinical psychology. The overall emphasis in discussing these topics will be on social change and improving personal well-being.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Compare and contrast different social identity approaches and their underlying assumptions.
Recognise the relationship between theory and practice from the angle of theory applications to particular contexts.
Discuss the chances and limits of applying social identity research.
Apply psychological theory regarding this research domain.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be / should be able to:
Value the usefulness of social identity research for individuals and groups
Confident in suggesting and promoting applications that advance social change and personal well-being.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
In lectures we will present successful applications of psychological theory. In fieldwork students will consider the usefulness of particular applications of psychological theory to social and psychological 'problems'. Students will also be given a written assignment in which they will critically reflect on the applications of psychological theory and method to particular areas. Students will read books and selected journal articles.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Haslam, S.A (2004)
Psychology in organisations: the social identity approach
, London: Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
()
A selection of recent journal articles in British Journal of Social Psychology and Political Psychology will be discussed.
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Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Pablo.DeTezanos-Pint@ul.ie