LABORATORY OF SOCIAL, WORK AND ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY I

The course is part of the characterising educational activities of the Degree Programme. It contributes to achieving its learning objectives related to understanding individual and social psychological processes and to developing critical analysis skills concerning social phenomena.

The course aims to provide students with fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge of Social and Work Psychology. It also seeks to develop students’ ability to critically analyse the key psychological and psychosocial processes that underlie interactions between individuals and social and work contexts.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and describe the main phenomena investigated in Social and Work Psychology;
2. Analyse and discuss classical and contemporary studies, identifying their theoretical and methodological foundations;
3. Critically interpret key findings from empirical research in Social and Work Psychology;
4. Understand and describe the main research methodologies used in the field;
5. Apply Social and Work Psychology theories and concepts to the analysis of real-world situations, particularly in social service contexts;
6. Analyse social phenomena by identifying the role of situational and contextual factors in individual behaviour;
7. Communicate disciplinary content clearly and appropriately, using the specific terminology of Social and Work Psychology;
8. Demonstrate critical thinking in evaluating information, data, and social situations.

The course contributes to the development of the following transversal skills:
- Critical thinking: ability to independently analyse and evaluate theories, empirical data, and social phenomena;
- Application skills: ability to apply Social and Work Psychology concepts to interpret real-world situations, particularly in social service contexts;
- Analytical skills: ability to understand research findings and identify relationships between psychosocial variables;
- Social awareness: ability to recognise the influence of social factors on individual behaviour;
- Communication skills: ability to clearly and appropriately express theoretical concepts using the specific terminology of the discipline.

Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of Social Psychology and of the mechanisms through which individuals interpret, explain, and evaluate social reality. Those who lack prior coursework in this area are strongly encouraged to read the Chapters 1-4 of the textbook by Crisp and Turner.

The course provides an overview of the main theories, key concepts, and research methods in Social and Work Psychology.

Topics include:
1. Social influence processes, with particular reference to conformism, obedience, and the diverse forms of minority influence;
2. Group dynamics, with particular reference to its structure, status, roles, social norms, communication, and decision-making processes;
3. Self and identity processes, with particular reference to personal and social identity;
4. Intergroup relationships, with particular reference to intergroup processes of conflict and cooperation, and intergroup theories.

Crisp, R.J. & Turner, R.N. (2025). Psicologia sociale. Fourth edition (Italian edition edited by C. Mosso). UTET Università. [Chapters 5-6]

Guglielmi, D. & Mazzetti, G. (2025). Elementi di psicologia del lavoro. Teorie e strumenti per le professioni socioeducative e sanitarie. Il Mulino. [Chapters 6-9]

Course materials will be made available on the Moodle platform.
Additional readings may be suggested during the course.

There is no distinction between attending and non-attending students in terms of exam content.

The assessment will evaluate students’ mastery of concepts, methodologies, and technical language in Social and Work Psychology, as well as their ability to apply them independently and appropriately.

The exam is written and consists of two parts.

Part 1: Knowledge and understanding
20 multiple-choice or completion questions
Duration: 30 minutes
+1 for correct answers
0 for unanswered questions
–0.5 for incorrect answers
Maximum score: 20
Minimum 12 points required to access the evaluation of Part 2

This part primarily assesses:
- knowledge and understanding of key concepts (Learning outcome 1, 4)
- recognition of theories, models, and research findings (Learning outcome 2, 3)

Part 2: Application and critical thinking
2 open-ended questions
Duration: 30 minutes
Each question is scored from 0 to 6
Maximum score: 12

This part assesses students’ ability to:
- apply theories to real-world situations (Learning outcome 5, 6)
- critically analyse social phenomena (Learning outcome 3, 8)
- clearly structure and communicate their answers (Learning outcome 7)

Assessment Criteria for Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended responses will be assessed based on:
- accuracy and relevance of content
- ability to apply concepts
- depth of analysis and critical thinking
- clarity of expression and use of disciplinary language

Assessment Rubric for Open-Ended Questions
Each open-ended answer is graded on a scale from 0 to 6 according to the following criteria:

Excellent (5.4 – 6)
Comprehensive, accurate, and fully relevant answer
Excellent ability to apply concepts
High level of critical analysis and independent thinking
Precise and appropriate use of disciplinary language

Good / Very Good (4.8 – 5.3)
Correct and well-developed answer
Good ability to apply concepts
Some evidence of critical analysis
Generally appropriate use of language

Fair (4.2 – 4.7)
Generally correct but not in-depth answer
Limited application of concepts
Mostly descriptive analysis
Adequate but not always precise language

Satisfactory (3.6 – 4.1)
Basic answer with some inaccuracies
Limited application ability
Minimal critical elaboration
Simple or occasionally inappropriate language

Fail (0 – 3.5)
Incomplete, unclear, or irrelevant answer
Significant conceptual errors
No application or analysis
Inadequate language

The exam may be held in multiple sessions depending on the number of students.
Group and/or individual work may be organised and evaluated during the course.

Rules for the Correct Conduct of Exams
Before presenting the exam, students are invited to read carefully the operating instructions published on the professor's web page.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

The final grade is expressed on a 30-point scale and is determined by the sum of the scores obtained in the two parts of the written exam (maximum 32 points, i.e., 30 cum laude).

Scores in the range 18–22 indicate sufficient knowledge of the course content, basic understanding, and limited ability to apply concepts, with simple but overall correct expression.

Scores in the range 23–26 indicate fair knowledge of the content, good understanding and application of concepts, and generally clear and appropriate expression.

Scores in the range 27–30 indicate good to excellent knowledge of the content, the ability to apply concepts independently and appropriately, good critical thinking skills, and appropriate use of disciplinary language.

Honours (30 cum laude) are awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge, a high level of critical analysis and independent thinking, and full mastery of disciplinary language.

The course combines theoretical lectures with practical activities.

Lectures introduce key concepts; students will be required to delve deeper using textbooks and notes. Practical sessions will focus on presenting and/or simulating research examples and on the in-depth exploration of specific themes or cases through direct student involvement.

Active and critical participation in various educational proposals is encouraged for attending students. Attendance is highly recommended.

Ca’ Foscari complies with Italian regulations regarding support services for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders. For accommodations, please contact: disabilita@unive.it

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development