FUNDAMENTALS OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

The course is part of the core 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 Psychology, particularly Social Psychology. It also seeks to develop tools for the critical analysis of the main psychological and psychosocial processes that regulate interactions between individuals and social contexts, with particular attention to social service settings.

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

1. Understand and describe the main phenomena investigated in Social 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 Psychology;
4. Understand and describe the main research methodologies used in the field;
5. Apply Social 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 cognitive and contextual factors in individual behaviour;
7. Communicate disciplinary content clearly and appropriately, using the specific terminology of Social 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 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.

No prior knowledge is required.
However, a basic ability to read and understand academic texts is recommended.

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

Topics include:
1. The origins and development of Social Psychology, its main theoretical approaches and research methods;
2. The knowledge of social reality, with particular reference to social cognition, processes of perception, categorisation, and the construction of social reality;
3. The explanation of social reality, with particular reference to attribution processes, attribution biases, and the formation of first impressions on others;
4. The evaluation of social reality, with particular reference to attitudes, their formation, structure and change, and their relations with behaviours.

Crisp, R.J. & Turner, R.N. (2025). Social Psychology. Fourth edition (Italian edition edited by C. Mosso). UTET Università. [Chapters 1–4]

Additional readings may be suggested during the course.

Course materials will be made available on the Moodle platform.

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 Psychology, as well as their ability to apply them independently and appropriately.

Exam Structure
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.

Final Grade
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).

The exam may be held in multiple sessions depending on the number of students.
No supplementary oral exam is provided.

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 lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

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, critical participation in various educational proposals is encouraged among 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 "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development