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 theoretical knowledge and analytical tools for understanding the main group processeswithin the field of Social Psychology. Particular attention will be paid to the meaning of group belonging in individual and social life, showing how groups contribute to the construction of personal and social identity, influence perceptions, emotions and behaviours, and represent a central dimension of educational, community and social experience.

The first part of the course will focus on the processes of group formation and functioning. The mechanisms through which a set of individuals becomes a group will be analysed, with specific attention to interdependence, social categorisation, social identity, socialisation and entry into groups. The course will also examine structural and dynamic aspects of group life, such as roles, status, norms, communication, leadership, cohesion, conformity, deviance, conflict and productivity.

The second part of the course will focus on relations between groups. Topics will include prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination, moral exclusion, intergroup conflict, and the processes through which inequalities can be maintained, justified or challenged. Particular attention will be devoted to collective action, rebellion, social change, intergroup contact, reconciliation and processes of acculturation in contemporary societies.

The course will also include an in-depth focus on sense of community, empowerment and social support networks, with the aim of connecting group processes to educational planning and interventions in local and community contexts.

The monographic section will address the relationship with authority, through the analysis of obedience, disobedience and resistance. The course will discuss the processes that foster obedience to authority, diffusion of responsibility and indifference, as well as the conditions that make civil disobedience, moral responsibility and resistance to unjust authority possible.

The skills to be acquired concern the ability to critically interpret group phenomena, recognise dynamics of belonging, influence, power and conflict, understand one’s own role within groups, and design educational interventions oriented towards participation, empowerment, the construction of networks and social change.

The programme includes the following topics:

• the meaning of group belonging in human life;
• personal identity, social identity and intergroup behaviour;
• group formation: interdependence, categorisation, socialisation and entry into groups;
• structural group phenomena: status, roles, leadership, norms and communication;
• dynamic group phenomena: cohesion, conformity, deviance, productivity and conflict;
• stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and moral exclusion;
• intergroup conflict, inequalities and justification of the status quo;
• collective action, rebellion and social change;
• intergroup contact, reconciliation and acculturation;
• sense of community, empowerment and social support networks;
• obedience, disobedience and resistance to authority;
• contemporary societies, moral responsibility and the risk of indifference.

Readings/Bibliography

1. R. Brown, S. Pehrson, Psicologia sociale dei gruppi, Il Mulino.
2. S. Passini, D. Morselli, Psicologia dell’obbedienza e della disobbedienza, Carocci. Chapters 1, 2 e 5.
3. C. Arcidiacono, N. De Piccoli, T. Mannarini, E. Marta (a cura di), Psicologia di comunità Vol. 1: Prospettive e concetti chiave, FrancoAngeli. Chapters concerning sense of community, empowerment and social support networks will be indicated during the course.
4. Additional teaching materials available on the online platform Virtuale, focusing in particular on roles, status and communication in groups.

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

The course concludes with a graded examination, marked on a scale of 30 points. The examination consists of an individual written test comprising four open-ended questions to be completed within 90 minutes. A passing grade requires satisfactory answers to all four questions.

To sit the examination, students must register through the University’s online examination system by the official deadline. Late registrations cannot be accepted.

The assessment of the written examination will consider not only the completeness and relevance of the answers but also the following transversal competencies:

• accurate use of disciplinary terminology;
• ability to describe empirical studies and theoretical approaches;
• clarity and coherence of written expression;
• ability to critically reflect on and independently elaborate the course content.

During the course, students may complete a group project, which contributes 30% of the final grade. Completion of the project replaces the following course materials: (2) Passini & Morelli and (4) Additional teaching materials. The project aims to provide students with practical experience in applying community needs assessment methods, analysing a community issue of their choice and possible solutions, and reflecting on the group processes experienced during the project in light of the theories and concepts covered in the course. The project includes an oral presentation, a group discussion, and the submission of a written report, following the guidelines provided during the lectures. 

 The project will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1. knowledge and critical understanding of the relevant scientific literature, and its application to the development of the group’s work and the analysis of the group’s own dynamics;
2. breadth and depth of the needs assessment and analysis of the selected community issue;
3. effectiveness of the oral presentation and quality of the discussion.

Project presentations will take place during the final class session. Grades will be published on the Virtuale platform.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used as a learning support tool to facilitate individual study, for example through additional explanations, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, during the in-person written examination, the use of AI is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI during the examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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