04875 - Psychology of Groups

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will:

• know the main psychological theories involved in the dynamics and conflicts between groups;
• know the theoretical and methodological aspects involved in group processes;
• have the skills to manage group dynamics;
• have the theoretical and methodological skills to build a business network with different professionals and other agencies in the area.

Course contents

The course aims to provide knowledge about group processes from the theoretical perspective of social and community psychology. After a brief critical history of the field, the constituent aspects of a group will be examined: group socialisation processes, group development (i.e. its changes over time), the main dynamic phenomena, such as the status system and roles in the group, the construction of implicit and explicit norms, communication structures and networks, and the various ways of exercising leadership. The forces that tend to keep the group together (conformity and cohesion) and the forces that can threaten its unity (deviance, internal conflicts, schismatic processes) will then be considered.

The second part of the course will focus more specifically on the community psychology approach, which values social bonds as the basis for initiating psychosocial processes aimed at producing change. The concepts of community spirit, empowerment, promotion of participation, and social justice orientation will be explored in depth in order to provide a framework for the community approach to promoting well-being and health and combating inequalities. The skills to be acquired relate to the ability to read group phenomena more easily, awareness of one's role in the group, and the ability to be proactive and constructive in group dynamics. The programme covers the following topics:

• the meaning of group membership in human life
•  joining a group
•  structural group phenomena: status, roles, leadership, norms;
•  dynamic phenomena: cohesion, conformity, deviance, conflict;
•  key perspectives and constructs of community psychology: empowerment, sense of community, participation, networks and social support
•  participatory strategies for change

Readings/Bibliography

The exam programme is different for those who attend classes (at least 70%) and those who do not.

Bibliography for those who do not attend classes:

1. G. Speltini, A. Palmonari, I gruppi sociali, Il Mulino (escluso capitolo 6)
2. C. Arcidiacono, N. De Piccoli, T. Mannarini, E. Marta (a cura di), Psicologia di comunità Vol. 1: Prospettive e concetti chiave (cap. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11), FrancoAngeli.
3. Handouts (slides and chapters) to be downloaded from the online platform Virtuale

Bibliography for those who attend classes:

1. Notes taken during lectures and handouts (slides) to be downloaded from the online platform Virtuale
2. Research articles and chapters that will be indicated during lectures in relation to the activities carried out during the course (exercises and group project), to be downloaded from the online platform Virtuale

Erasmus students with limited knowledge of Italian are kindly requested to contact the lecturer to agree on alternative exam programmes.

Teaching methods

The course includes a mix of lectures and practical activities, including individual and group exercises, role-playing, and group projects on course topics. We really encourage students to get involved and participate in class: asking questions, sharing thoughts, and discussing ideas are a great way to support your individual study.

Assessment methods

For those attending classes

The assessment will consist of two parts:

Oral presentation, discussion and report on a group project carried out during the course (50% of the final mark). The aim of the project will be to experiment with some tools for analysing community needs, analyse a problem of your choice and possible solutions in relation to the scientific literature, and analyse group dynamics during the experience in light of the content covered during the course. The project assessment will take into account the following aspects: (i) level of knowledge and critical analysis of the scientific literature and its application in the development of one's own arguments and in the analysis of the dynamics of one's own group; (ii) breadth and depth of the analysis of the needs and problems identified; (iii) effectiveness of the oral presentation and quality of the discussion. The projects will be presented during the last class of the course. The assessment will be communicated on the Virtual Platform as soon as possible and in time for registration for the January exam session.

Individual written exam with two open-ended questions (50% of the final grade): one question on notes and handouts provided in class; one question on articles and chapters mentioned during the lectures. Before the end of the course, students will be given a list of possible exam questions for illustrative purposes. A pass is contingent upon answering both questions. The exam will be held during the regular exam sessions.

The grade will be expressed in thirtieths and will be calculated based on the sum of the points obtained in the group project and the written exam.

 

For those who do not attend classes

The exam consists of an individual written test with three open questions on the entire exam bibliography for non-attending students: two questions on the two textbooks (one for each text) and one question on the handouts provided. The grade will be expressed out of thirty. A pass is contingent upon answering all three questions.

In both modes, the written test will be assessed not only on the completeness and consistency of the answers, but also on cross-disciplinary skills such as: precise use of terminology; ability to describe experiments and theoretical approaches; clarity of expression; ability to rework and critically reflect on personal ideas.

To take the exam, students must register via the electronic notice board, in strict compliance with the deadlines. In the case of exam sessions with a large number of registered students, it may not be possible to guarantee that the exam will be marked by the next exam session. However, at least six exam sessions per year will always be guaranteed for students.

ERASMUS students can choose between a written or oral exam, always in the same manner.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be conducted with the aid of PowerPoint slides. Illustrative videos and online quizzes may be used for classroom discussion.
Research activities related to the group project may require students to have personal notebooks or tablets available.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Iana Ivanova Tzankova