Group Psychology-2023 | Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Group Psychology

Credits: 6

Code: 14037

Course: 4

Term: Second semester

Type: op

Module:

Matter: BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTH

Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English,

Teaching staff

Office hours:

Appointments should be requested by email.

Introduction

Group Psychology is part of the area of knowledge of Social Psychology and involves the study of social interaction in group contexts. Much of human behaviour is carried out in more or less formalized groups, and all this implies the need to study the groups from a scientific and professional approach. In the Psychology of Groups subject, basic theories and processes are presented that allow understanding the structure and development of groups, as well as the processes within and between groups.

Pre-course requirements

It is recommended to have attended the subject of Social Psychology.

Objectives

The main objective of the course is to offer students the basic content on research and intervention on the nature of groups, their laws of operation and development, as well as the relationships within each group and between different groups. In this way, the psychosocial bases of behaviour are studied from the group and intergroup approaches. Finally, students are familiarized with the intervention processes in contexts of social exclusion, marginalization and inequality.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

CB01 - Students must demonstrate that they have and understand knowledge in an area of study that is based on general secondary education, and it tends to be found at a level that, although it is based on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting-edge of their field of study.
CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret significant data (normally within their area of study) to issue judgements that include a reflection on significant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
CB04 - That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
CB05 - That students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.
CE19 - To be aware of the principles of biomedical science related to health and learn how to work in any field of Biomedical Sciences (biomedical companies, bioinformatics laboratories, research laboratories, clinical analysis companies, etc.).
CG07 - To incorporate basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and an experimental level.
CG10 - To design, write up and execute projects connected to the field of Biomedical Sciences.
CG11 - To be aware of basic concepts from different fields connected to biomedical sciences.
CT01 - To develop the organisational and planning skills that are suitable in each moment.
CT02 - To develop the ability to resolve problems.
CT03 - To develop analytical and summarising skills.
CT04 - To interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements.
CT05 - To use the internet as a means of communication and a source of information.
CT06 - To know how to communicate, give presentations and write up scientific reports.
CT07 - To be capable of working in a team.
CT08 - To reason and evaluate situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view.
CT09 - To have the ability to develop interpersonal skills.
CT10 - To be capable of autonomous learning.
CT11 - To apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
CT12 - To apply scientific method.
CT13 - To be aware of the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and ageing.
CT14 - To respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values that are specific to a culture of peace and democratic values.

Syllabus

Chapter 1. Introduction to the study of the groups

The study of the groups
Composition and structure of the groups
Training, development and socialization
Rules and conduct

Chapter 2. Relations within the groups

Social identity
Leadership
Group performance
Group cohesion
Social influence
Decision making

Chapter 3. Intergroup relations

Prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes
Intergroup conflict
Conflict resolution strategies

Chapter 4. Psychology of Social Intervention

Scope of application and vulnerable groups
Social Intervention project
Diagnosis and detection of needs
Planning and evaluation of an intervention

Teaching and learning activities

In person

The methodology used in this subject will be active and focused on students, who will be the protagonist in their learning process and skills development. This methodology combines master classes, practical teaching (case studies, group dynamics, seminars, analysis of audiovisual resources), preparation of group work (project) and tutoring (both collective and personalized).

The subject requires both individual and autonomous work as well as group work. In addition to the continuous work that requires the preparation and use of the different theoretical and practical sessions, the student body must carry out a project in groups of 5±1 people, empirically based and on a topic negotiated with the teaching staff. To do this, you will have tutorials with the teacher during the semester. Finally, the project will be discussed with the rest of the classmates.

TRAINING ACTIVITY

Lectures will be the setting in which students will learn and use the terminology and linguistic structures related to the sphere of study, for the purpose of practising and developing oral and written communication skills and becoming familiar with the literature and instruction materials provided to better integrate the curricular content.

Project-oriented learning is a method based on experiential and reflective learning in which the process of researching a particular subject matter proves very important, with the aim of resolving complex problems based on open solutions or addressing complicated issues that enable students to generate new knowledge and develop new skills.

The exercises provided and problems posed by the lecturer help students make headway in their academic career, and, guided by the lecturer, the students succeed in achieving short-term goals which facilitate the integration of theoretical knowledge.

Case studies are a learning technique in which the subject is given the description of a specific situation that poses a problem, which must be understood, assessed and resolved by a group of people through discussion. Case studies are generally resolved in groups to promote student participation and develop their critical thinking skills. They also prepare students to make decisions, teaching them how to back up their arguments and contrast them with the opinions of the other group members.

The guided reading of texts aims to develop the students’ critical thinking skills, which play a fundamental role in creating citizens who are both aware and responsible.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person

The evaluation of the subject is based on:

Final exam (40%) with test questions and open-questions.
Group work (30%): both written work and the presentation of the project in class will be evaluated.
Practical activities (20%) both individual and collective.
Attendance and participation (10%): a minimum 80% of assistance is required to qualify for this score.

Important considerations:

It will be necessary to obtain a minimum grade of 5.0 in the final exam and in group work to be able to do average with the rest of the grades.
The realization of the practical activities is understood as continuous evaluation, and therefore its NO delivery according to the established dates will imply the impossibility of having that part of the note.
Plagiarism, copying or any other action that can be considered cheating will suppose a zero in that evaluation section. Doing it in the exams will suppose the immediate suspension of the subject.
On second call, the "Honor Registration" qualification cannot be obtained, so the maximum qualification will be "Excellent".

Bibliography and resources

Bibliography

Huici, C., Molero, F., Gómez, A., y Morales, J. F. (Coords.) (2012). Psicología de los grupos. Madrid: UNED
Smith, E.R. y Mackie, D.M. (1997). Psicología Social. Madrid: Ed. Médica Panamericana