The field of social psychology is significant across many industries, particularly education, health care and community services, as it aims to understand factors that influence the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of people at an individual level and as part of a group.
The Certificate of Social Psychology is an online professional development course that will introduce you to the basic concepts of social psychology and develop your understanding of the social influences on behaviour.
In this social psychology course, you will discover social psychology and related constructs, including how we arrive at conclusions about the behaviour of others, aggression and the process of conformity and group pressure.
On completion of this course, you will have gained foundation knowledge to help you in your current role or to pursue further studies in this fascinating area.
Course Structure
Unit - Social Psychology
Unit 1 – Social Cognition
- Introduction to social psychology
- What is social psychology
- Impression formation
- Behaviour
- Appearance
- Expectations
- The primary affect
- Attribution
- Schemas and social perception
- Central traits
- Stereotypes
- Social inference and decision making
- Case study: social psychology and law
Unit 2 – The Self
- Introduction
- Self concept
- Present and ideal selves
- Cognitive dissonance
- Experiments into cognitive dissonance
- Reducing cognitive dissonance
- Self efficacy
- How does the self develop
- Self and social feedback
- Socialisation
- Types of socialisation
- How are we socialised
Unit 3 – Attribution and Perception of Others
- Attribution theory
- Attribution and consensus, consistency, distinctiveness
- Attribution errors
- Culture and attributional style
- Criticisms of the theory
- Practical uses of attribution theory
Unit 4 – Attitudes and Attitude Change
- Defining attitude
- Characteristics of attitudes
- ABC of attitudes
- Affective elements of attitude
- Behavioural elements of attitude
- Self attribution
- Specificity
- Constraints
- Cognitive elements of attitude
- Attitude formation
- Factors affecting attitude change
Unit 5 – Prejudice, Discrimination and Stereotypes
- Introduction
- What is prejudice
- Functions of prejudice
- How we measure prejudice
- In groups and out groups
- Reducing prejudice
- Stereotypes
- Functions of stereotypes
- Dangers of using stereotypes
- Changing stereotypes
- Discrimination
Unit 6 – Interpersonal Attraction
- Introduction
- Theories of attraction
- The social exchange theory
- The reinforcement affect model
- Factors affecting interpersonal attraction
- Physical appearance
- Biological underpinnings
- Similarity
- Familiarity
- Positive regard
- Mis attribution of emotions
- Proximity
- Attachment styles
- Cultural similarities
- An evolutionary perspective
- The cost of sex
Unit 7 – Helping Behaviour
- Bystander intervention
- Diffusion of responsibility
- Social facilitation
- Compliance
- Obedience
- Conformity
- Why do people conform
- Factors affecting conformity
- Desire for affiliation
- Reinforcement and punishment
- Obedience to authority
- Why does social influence work
Unit 8 – Aggression
- Introduction
- Types of aggression
- Theoretical approaches to aggression: Freudian, Drive theories, Social learning theories, Biological and evolutionary theories
- Aggression against outsiders
- Aggression in a species
- Aggression in humans
- Environmental influences on human aggression
- Imitation or modelling
- Familiarity
- Reinforcement
- Aggression and culture
- Other factors
Unit 9 – Groups
- What is a group
- Kinds of groups; recreational, social, work, family, sporting
- Features of groups
- Factors relating to groups: productivity, social loafing, insufficient coordination, social facilitation
- Group decision making: group think, group polarisation, minority influence
- Deindividualisation
Unit 10 – Cultural Influences
- Defining culture
- Culture and social exchange
- Individualistic vs reciprocal societies
- Cross cultural psychology vs cultural psychology
- Culture bound syndromes
- Trance and possession disorder
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Counsellors
- Social worker
- Personnel management
- Caring roles
- Health professions
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