Course code: PSY-1201

Social psychology

Campus Tromsø
Semester / Year Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Level Grunnleggende emner, nivå I
Credits 10

About the course

The course is mandatory in the Professional Studies in Psychology. Not available as a singular course

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel, and act in relation to one another, and how they are influenced by each other in interpersonal and group settings. More specifically, the course covers how social thinking influences perceptions of the self, and the formation of beliefs, judgments, and attitudes; how the self is regulated to achieve goals and external standards; how social influence leads to persuasion, conformity, and obedience; how social categorization shapes identities and establishes stereotypes and prejudice; how small-group processes influence decision-making; how intergroup conflict can be rooted in individual processes; and how aggression, attraction, and helping emerge in social relations. Selected aspects will be discussed from an applied perspective of designing interventions that contribute to solving issues in close relationships, communities, organizations, and society.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of central social psychological theories on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by social context.
  • Demonstrate knowledge about the central scientific methods that are used to understand social psychological phenomena.

Skills

  • Apply social psychological theories to explain how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by social settings.
  • Apply knowledge of social psychological phenomena to address societal issues and challenges.

General Competences

  • Be able to communicate the complexities and challenges of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by social settings.

Credit reduction

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

  • PSY-1101 Social Psychology 10 ects
  • PSY-1705 Social Psychology 10 ects
  • PSY-1005 Social psychology 10 ects

Teaching methods

Teaching consists mainly of lectures. In addition, student-tutored seminars are offered on a voluntary basis.

Language of instruction and examination

English.

Recommended reading/syllabus

Du kan se og få tilgang til deler av pensum via Leganto.

Pensumliste for PSY-1101 - Social Psychology (HØST 2026)

Schedule

The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.

It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.

Examination

Exams
School exam Date: 04.12.2026 09:00 Duration: 4 Hours Grade:
A–E, fail F
Coursework requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements

Written assignment Grade:
Approved – not approved
Study participation Grade:
Approved – not approved

Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage

More info about the coursework requirements

1) Written assignment (approved - not approved)

2) Study participation (alternatively a short, written assignment can be completed)

Re-sit examination

Students who do not pass the previous ordinary examination can gain access to a re-sit examination.

Previous years and semesters

Kontakt oss

Responsible unit: Institutt for psykologi