Psychology of Social Interaction

1. To know the theoretical and applied foundations of the topics that are developed in the program.
2. to acquire an integrated vision of the processes of social interaction and the relationships between them.
3. To take contact with the most instrumental and applied aspects of the subject through the discussion of cases, commented readings and use of instruments for the evaluation of various psychosocial phenomena.

Theory sessions
-Introduction to the subject of Psychology of Social Interaction.
Part I. Influence, power and empathy
-Lesson 1. Social influence Social influence and power. The different faces of influence: conformity, obedience and innovation. Tactics of social influence.
-Lesson 2. Aggression and violence Conceptual limitations. Group violence. Causes of aggression and violence. Facilitating dimensions. Strategies to deal with violence.
-Lesson 3. Prosocial behavior and Attraction. Typology of the help behavior. Explanatory models. Facilitating elements of help behaviors. Inhibitory factors. The role of the receivers. Attraction
PartII 2. Categorization, conflict and collective action
-Tema 4. Stereotypes Origin and characteristics. Measurement of stereotypes. Functions and structure. Gender stereotypes. Effects of stereotypes. Resistance to change in stereotypes.
-Lesson 5. Damage. Harm and related concepts. Authoritarian personality and categorization. New expressions of harm. Of the implicit damage to the specificity of emotions and situations.
-Item 6. Collective action and social change. Social conflict and collective action. From irrationality to the instrumentality of collective action. Explanatory model of collective action.

Practical sessions
1. Analysis of the processes of social influence
2. Aggression
3. Altruism
4. Stereotypes
5. Prejudice
6. Collective action

Basic and complementary bibliography

Textbook:
Sabucedo, J.M. y Morales, J.F. (2015). Psicología Social. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana(Available in its electronic version at https://www.medicapanamericana.com/mx/libro/psicologia-social-sabucedo-…)

Other Textbooks:
Gaviria, E., López, M. y Cuadrado, I. (2013). Introducción a la Psicología Social. Madrid: Sanz y Torres.
Hogg, M. y Vaughan, G.M. (2010). Psicología Social. Madrid: Editorial Médica Panamericana

Complementary Bibliography
Part I.
Cialdini, R.B. (2022). Influencia: la psicología de la persuasión. Madrid : HarperCollins
Milgram, S. (1980). Obediencia a la autoridad. Bilbao: Desclée de Brouwer
Sabucedo, J.M. y Sanmartín, J. (2007). Los escenarios de la violencia. Barcelona: Ariel
Wall, F.B.M. (2008). Putting the altruism back into altruism. The evolution of empathy. Annual Review of Psychology, 59, 279-300

Part II.
Huddy, L., Sears, D., Levy, J., & Jerit, J. (2023) The Oxford Handbook of Political Psychology. New York: Oxford University Press
López-Sáez, M., Morales, J.F. y Lisbona, A. (2008). Evolution of gender stereotypes in Spain: Traits and roles. The Spanish Jornal of Social Psychology, 11, 609-617
Glick, P. y Fiske, S.T. (2011). Ambivalent sexism revisited. Psycholoy of Women Quartely, 35, 530-535
Navas, M. y Cuadrad, I. (2013). El estudio del prejuicio en Psicología Social. Madrid: Sánz y Torres.
Sabucedo J-M, Dono M, Alzate M and Seoane G (2018). The Importance of Protesters’ Morals: Moral Obligation as a Key Variable to Understand Collective Action. Front. Psychol. 9:418. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00418. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00418/full

5.5.1.5.1 BASIC AND GENERAL
CB1 - That students have demonstrated to possess and understand knowledge in an area of study that starts from the base of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that imply knowledge coming from the vanguard of their field of study.
CB2 - That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of study.
CB3 - That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant issues of social, scientific or ethical nature.
CB4 - That the students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to a specialized as well as non-specialized audience. CB5 - That the students have developed the necessary learning skills to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.
CG1 - That they have the capacity to approach their professional and formative activity with respect to the Code of Ethics of the psychologist, which includes, among other more specific, the principles of respect and the promotion of the fundamental rights of the people, equality between people, the principles of universal accessibility and design for all and democratic values and a culture of peace.
5.5.1.5.2 TRANSVERSAL
-CT1 - Ability to synthesize
-CT2 - Ability to solve problems and make decisions
- CT3 - Ability to work in teams and collaborate with other professionals
- CT4 - Self-criticism capacity
- CT5- Communication capacity
- CT6 - Ability to develop and maintain up-to-date skills, skills and knowledge of the profession
5.5.1.5.3 SPECIFIC
CE1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the functions, characteristics, contributions and limitations of the different theoretical models of Psychology.
CE2 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic laws of the different psychological processes
CE5- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the psychosocial principles that intervene in the behavior of individuals and in the functioning of groups and organizations.
CE9 - Knowing how to identify the relevant characteristics of the behavior of individuals, groups, organizations and contexts mediating the methods, techniques and instruments of psychological evaluation.
CE10 - Know how to promote health and quality of life, through the methods of the profession, in individuals, groups, communities and organizations in different areas and contexts: educational, clinical and health, work and organizations , group and community
CE11 - Know how to select and manage techniques and instruments specific to Psychology
CE15 - Knowing how to comply with the deontological obligations of Psychology

The following methodologies will be combined:
Expository sessions They will emphasize the relevant content for each theoretical topic. The recommended and / or mandatory readings will also be indicated.
Interactive sessions These activities will emphasize group work to encourage both the discussion of psychosocial issues and to expand the knowledge that is exposed in the theoretical sessions.

Theoretical part: The theoretical content will be evaluated in the final exam set by the Faculty and through an objective test.

The theoretical part will represent a maximum of 85% of the total grade for the course.

Interactive part: A minimum attendance of 5 of the scheduled sessions is required. Attendance at the sessions and the work / s carried out in relation to them will be weighted with 15% of the grade in the subject, as long as the theoretical part of the subject has been approved.


Students with an academic exemption will take an exam for both the theoretical and interactive parts of the subject.

Study time and personal work The student must dedicate a total of 150, of which 51 will be face-to-face and 99 work more personalized

Tutoring hours:
Monday: 10-12
Tuesday: 10-12
Thursday: 10-12

Monica Alzate tutorials:
Tuesday: 9:30- 11:30 hs
Thursday: 9:30 - 11:30 hs
Friday: 13 - 15 hs.
Make an appointment by e-mail: monica.alzate@usc.es