Social and Affective Neuroscience

Module overview

Social neuroscience supposes that all human behaviour is in some way biological based and proposes that the best way to understand complex social behaviour is through the integration of social and biological approaches. Accordingly, this module will focus on how biological approaches aid in our understanding of complex social processes (e.g., theory of mind, emotion, stereotype & prejudice, aggression). Research discussed in this course will typically utilize the following biological approaches: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), Event-related potentials (ERPs), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

Linked modules

Pre-requisite: PSYC1016

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Weekly lectures introduce core concepts, theories, and empirical findings in social neuroscience, with each session focused on a major theme (e.g., methods, emotion and motivation, social interaction, groups and identity, morality, development). Learning is structured around linking social psychological questions with biological approaches, using neuroscientific methods such as fMRI, EEG, ERPs, TMS, and tDCS. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate research, integrate findings across studies, and apply methodological insights to novel questions in social behavior.

Study time
Type	Hours
Teaching	24
Independent Study	126
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment strategy

Assessment is based on an in-person essay exam (60%) and a research proposal (39%). The essay exam requires students to answer a selection of questions that assess their ability to critically engage with theories and findings in social neuroscience, integrating evidence across studies and highlighting limitations in the field. The research proposal requires students to apply one of the neuroscientific techniques introduced in the module (e.g., fMRI, EEG, ERPs, TMS, tDCS) to a social psychological content area, designing a study on a complex social behavior not covered in lectures. In doing so, students outline the rationale, methods and design, data analysis plan, and implications. The proposal provides an opportunity for students to apply the techniques and concepts from the module to a topic of personal interest, demonstrating creativity as well as critical understanding.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Research Participation	1%
Essay	60%
Research proposal	39%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Assessment	100%