PY3SCN-Social Cognition of Nonverbal Behaviour

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis or PY2RMP Research methods in Psychology
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Juliane Honisch
Email: j.j.honisch@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Social Cognition of Nonverbal Behaviour 

Aims:

This module will enable students to explore the following; how individuals form impressions of others and project their own mental state onto others through nonverbal communication, and why gestures are used during every day conversations. This option aims to give students the experience of critical evaluations of recent research approaches and theoretical perspectives on social-cognition of nonverbal behaviours. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the student will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate research approaches and theoretical perspectives of nonverbal behaviours and its role in interpersonal communications.


2. Identify gaps within the existing research, formulate research questions and design a study to further our understanding within the field of non-verbal behaviours.


3. Synthesise different mechanism that explain the beneficial outcomes associated with nonverbal behaviours and consider its wider impact.

Additional outcomes:

Collaboration with others in formulating research questions and designing research projects within this topic area; Analysis and synthesis of complex literature relating to social cognition of nonverbal communication; Ability to critically evaluate research and theory independently and as part of a small discussion group.

Outline content:

The module comprises seven 2-hour seminars.

A substantial amount of our everyday communication is nonverbal, may it be intentional or unintentional. These forms of communication include postures, facial expressions, gestures and full bodily movements. In this module we study how nonverbal behaviours reveal our own cognitive state, indicate how we perceive others, and reveal who we are. We will examine topics such as mind perception and the role of hand gestures in every day conversations. We will consider the importance of nonverbal behaviours and what they communicate. In particular, we will look at the interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes of mimicry and synchrony, and critically discuss clinical applications of interpersonal synchrony.

In order to evaluate these topics, we will focus on the relevant and recent literature from social and cognitive psychology.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars involve lectures, interactive discussions, practical activities and student presentations. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed through a 2000 word research proposal (100%)

Formative assessment methods:

Students will have the opportunity to practice two research proposals in groups during the seminar sessions. Students will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback from peers and staff on their own individual research proposal.

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Overall mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-assessment is by submission of a new research proposal.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: Kostic, A. &Chadee, D. (2014). The Social Psychology of Nonverbal Communication. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 9781137345851, cost: £ 63.00 (electronic and hard copies available in the library). Epley, N., &Caruso, E. M. (2009). Perspective taking: Misstepping into others’ shoes. In K. D. Markman, W. M. P. Klein, &J. A. Suhr (Eds.), Handbook of imagination and mental simulation (pp. 295–309). New York: Psychology Press. ISBN: 1841698873, cost: £ 34.99 (electronic version available in the library).

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023