In the thesis the student learns to function independently as a researcher in the domain of Social Psychology. The thesis involves a literature-based, empirical, quantitative study, resulting in a witten report that includes both scientific and practical implications. The subject of the master’s thesis has to fall within the expertise of the supervisor. Topics of interest include the role of attitudes, norms and other factors in explaining behaviour, the influence of habits and automaticity of behaviour, effectiveness of persuasive communication and other behaviour change strategies, the functioning and disfunctioning of close relationships, person perception and social interaction, understanding social justice and its consequences, and morality and normative behaviour. The thesis covers every stage of the research cycle: formulation of the problem, in-depth theoretical study, design of the study and materials, data collection, data analysis, and reporting (oral and written). After completion of the thesis, the student is able to independently conduct simple psychological research. In addition, the student will have acquired basic skills to write (and present) a scientific report in a format that is commonly used in the field.
Correspondence between assessment and learning goals:
The following aspects will be assessed: theoretical insight, research skills, work attitude, quality of oral presentation, quality of the thesis report. The assessment of the quality of the report covers formulation of the problem, in-depth theoretical study, design of the study, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. A specification of the assessment criteria can be found in the guidelines on Blackboard.
|
 |
|
The domain of social psychology is concerned with the functioning of people in social situations. This social functioning is studied on different levels: the individual, the interpersonal, and the group or organisation. The research that is performed within the department is fundamental as well as applied, and involves both experimental and field research methods. The topics under study as well as the theoretical perspectives are broad, but all emphasise the importance of social influence and social-cognitive processes. The subject of the master's thesis has to be within the specific field of one of the supervisors and should be linked to a current project of the department. Topics of interest include (amongst others):
- the role of attitudes
- norms and other factors in explaining social behavior
- the influence of habits and automaticity of behavior
- effectiveness of persuasive communication and other behaviour change strategies
- the functioning and disfunctioning of close relationships
- person perception and social interaction
- understanding social justice and its consequences
- morality and normative behavior
At the start of the master’s programme, students are assigned to a topic and supervisor based on their preferences. The regulations concerning the internship can be found on Blackboard. Further information about internships can be obtained via the coordinator of the Master's track Social Influence, Professor Esther Kluwer. She can be contacted via SHOP_Socialinfluence@uu.nl.
|
|
|