Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Group Psychology

Group Psychology
6
14037
4
Second semester
op
BIOMEDICINE AND HEALTH
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dra. MENEGHEL, Isabella - imeneghel@uic.es

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. 

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

  • CB03 - Students must have the ability to bring together and interpret relevant data (normally within their area of study) in order to issue judgements that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific and ethical nature.
  • CB04 - Students must be able to convey information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialised and non-specialised audiences.
  • CE06 - Plan the evaluation of psychological programs and / or interventions, selecting the appropriate indicators and techniques.
  • CE07 - Carry out a project by using data sources, and applying methodologies, research techniques and tools of Psychology, and make an exhibition and public defense of the project before a specialized public so that the acquisition of the skills and knowledge of the Degree is demonstrated.
  • CE17 - The ability to analyse the psychological and social demands and needs of people, groups and organisations in different contexts.
  • CG01 - Capacity for critical and creative thinking, and capacity to investigate and adopt a scientific and ethical approach in distinct professional settings.
  • CG03 - The ability to read scientific literature in a critical, well-founded manner, take into account its provenance, situate it within an epistemological framework and identify and contrast its contributions in relation to the disciplinary knowledge available.
  • CG07 - The ability to adapt to the setting, task or context, handle new tasks and responsibilities and generate processes of change.
  • CG08 - The capacity to interpret the content and scope of the information received or requested, orally or in writing, and process it appropriately according to the nature of the matter at hand.
  • CG10 - Sensitivity to the needs and expectations of others.
  • CG11 - Recognition, understanding and respect for the complexity of multicultural diversity.
  • CG12 - The ability to create the conditions necessary for effective communication and a good relationship of help and support.
  • CG13 - The ability to use information and communication technologies for distinct purposes.
  • CT01 - The capacity to organise and plan.
  • CT04 - The capacity to work in a team
  • CT07 - The capacity to learn autonomously
  • CT09 - The ability to communicate adequately, both orally and in writing

Learning outcomes of the subject

At the end of the course, the students are expected to:

  • Understand human behaviour in group dynamics
  • Apply techniques that allow the management of group activity
  • Analysis of the person's behaviour in relation to their membership in certain social groups
  • Identify the psychosocial principles involved in the interaction between different groups
  • Transmit information and ideas through an appropriate style of communication

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 and discrimination
  • Intergroup conflict 
  • Conflict resolution strategies

 

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) and tutoring (both collective and personalized). The subject requires both individual and autonomous work as well as group work. 

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.
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 (80%) with test questions and open-questions.
  • Practical activities (20%) both individual and collective.

In the second call, the same criteria will be maintained and the same evaluation methodology will be followed.

Important considerations:

  1. It will be necessary to obtain a minimum grade of 5.0 in the final exam to be able to do average with the rest of the grades.
  2. 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.
  3. The evaluation will always respect the general regulations established in the Degree.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Further reading

  • Baron, R. A. y Byrne, D. (1998). Psicología Social. Madrid: Pearson.
  • Paterna Bleda, C., Martínez Martínez, M. C., Vera Martínez, J. J. (2003). Psicología social: De la teoría a la práctica cotidiana. Madrid: Ediciones Pirámide.
  • Rodríguez, A., Morales, J. F., Delgado, N., y Betancor V. (Coords.) (2016). 50 Experimentos Imprescindibles para entender la Psicología Social. Madrid: Alianza Editorial
  • Wiseman, R. (2010). 59 segundos. Barcelona: RBA libros.

Others resources

Evaluation period

E: exam date | R: revision date | 1: first session | 2: second session:
  • E1 23/05/2023 I3 12:00h
  • E2 28/06/2023 I3 12:00h
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