PSYCH 320 - Attitudes & Social Influence

This course is designed to provide a broad introduction to the theories, and the experimental, correlational, and quasi-experimental research that constitutes the literature of social influence. The scientific literature of the field is extensive, so it is difficult to consider more than a small fraction of that which has been done, but we will make a valiant attempt at both broad and deep coverage. Topics will include the measurement of attitudes, attitude formation (origins of attitudes), minority influence (how minorities prevail), compliance, conformity, and obedience, principles of communication and persuasion, attitude strength and vested interest, attitude-behavior consistency, and models of attitude-behavior relations. In the final section of the course, the class will focus on applications of the research introduced of the initial sections of the course.
Units: 4
Course Type: Seminar