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PS4551: THE SOCIAL SELF (2024-2025)

Last modified: 02 Oct 2024 11:46


Course Overview

The course will cover both psychological theories and classic empirical findings of the self and its latest research progress, with a focus on cognitive, affective and societal consequences.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor Jie Sui

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme
  • Programme Level 4
  • Psychology (PS)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In this course, we address fundamental issues about the self and its place in human life. We ask four basic questions: What is the nature of the self? How can we measure the self in mind and brain? What is the role of self in regulating behaviour in our daily lives? How do sociocultural experiences shape the self over time?

Topics include (but not limited to) culture and the self, self-positivity bias, unconscious processes of the self, the dynamic self, the role of self in motivation, and self-regulation. Applications to real-world phenomena are discussed.

Learning on this course is through lectures, discussions, and through practical experience in guided activities to help deepen your understanding of what the self ‘does’ for people and how researchers have scientifically tackled these topics.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Recorded Presentation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will produce a recorded presentation on a set topic. Feedback will be provided individually.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo compare major theoretical perspectives on psychological processes of the self.
ConceptualApplyTo critically use self as an important factor in understanding human behaviour in a global context
ConceptualApplyTo apply the theories of the self to cognition, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence
FactualEvaluateTo critically evaluate research methods and empirical findings in self research
FactualUnderstandTo understand the basic theories of the self

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo compare major theoretical perspectives on psychological processes of the self.
ConceptualApplyTo apply the theories of the self to cognition, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence
ConceptualApplyTo critically use self as an important factor in understanding human behaviour in a global context
FactualEvaluateTo critically evaluate research methods and empirical findings in self research
FactualUnderstandTo understand the basic theories of the self

Formative Assessment

Discussion Boards

Assessment Type Formative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Students will contribute to two discussion boards on a set topic.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualAnalyseTo compare major theoretical perspectives on psychological processes of the self.
ConceptualApplyTo critically use self as an important factor in understanding human behaviour in a global context
ConceptualApplyTo apply the theories of the self to cognition, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence
FactualEvaluateTo critically evaluate research methods and empirical findings in self research
FactualUnderstandTo understand the basic theories of the self

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements of assessment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualApplyTo apply the theories of the self to cognition, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence
FactualEvaluateTo critically evaluate research methods and empirical findings in self research
FactualUnderstandTo understand the basic theories of the self
ConceptualAnalyseTo compare major theoretical perspectives on psychological processes of the self.
ConceptualApplyTo critically use self as an important factor in understanding human behaviour in a global context

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