PSYC 220 Social Psychology is a 3-credit course at University of Maryland Global Campus, now listed as PSYC 220 (formerly PSYC 321). UMGC lists PSYC 100 as the prerequisite.
The course examines the influence of social factors on individual and interpersonal behavior, analyzing how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are affected by the presence of others, actual or imagined.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Code | PSYC 220 (formerly PSYC 321) |
| Credits | 3 |
| Prerequisite | PSYC 100 |
| Credit rule | Only one of BEHS 221, BEHS 421, BEHS 450, PSYC 220, PSYC 221, PSYC 321 |
What PSYC 220 Covers
| Topic (UMGC) | Focus |
|---|---|
| The self | How people understand and present themselves |
| Social perception and cognition | How people interpret others and process information |
| Relationships | Attraction and close bonds |
| Attitudes | Formation and change |
| Social influence | Conformity and persuasion |
| Group behavior | How groups affect individuals |
Key Ideas Explained
Situation over Personality
Social psychology often shows that context shapes behavior more than people expect. Before explaining an action by character, ask what in the situation might explain it.
Illustration (invented): A colleague stays silent in a meeting. Rather than concluding they are shy, consider group pressure, status and whether anyone else spoke. Naming these situational factors is the habit the course builds.
Attitudes and Persuasion
Attitudes can change through new information, experience or social pressure. Name the route and cite a study.
Group Effects
Groups can improve decisions or distort them. Describe the conditions in each case.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Likely task | What it tests | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Discussion posts | Applying theory to events | One theory, one example, one study |
| Research summary | Reading and explaining studies | Question, method, finding, limit |
| Applied paper | Using theory in work or community | Pick a real setting and analyze it |
| Exams | Recall and application | Practice with scenarios |
Study Plan by Topic
| Topic | Notes to make |
|---|---|
| Self | Definitions and key studies |
| Perception | Common biases |
| Attitudes and influence | Routes of change |
| Groups | Conditions for help and harm |
Writing a Study Summary
Summarizing research is a core skill. Use the same four parts each time: the question the researchers asked, how they tested it, what they found, and a limitation. Keep each part to a sentence or two and use your own words.
Illustration (invented structure): "The researchers asked whether people conform more in larger groups. Participants judged items after hearing others' answers. Conformity was higher when more people agreed. The sample was students, so results may not describe other groups." The summary is brief and complete.
Linking to Everyday Life
UMGC highlights the self, relationships, attitudes, influence and groups, all of which appear in daily life. Choose examples from work, family, online spaces or communities to show how a concept operates.
Applied Papers and Discussions
When writing about a real situation, begin with a short description, name the social psychological concept at work, support it with a study, and then consider an alternative explanation.
Alternative explanations are important in social psychology because behavior usually has more than one cause. Finish by stating what the analysis suggests for practice, such as how a team or community might reduce an unwanted effect.
Key Terms to Keep Straight
| Pair | Difference |
|---|---|
| Attitude and behavior | What people think versus what they do, which do not always match |
| Conformity and obedience | Following peers versus following authority |
| Persuasion and coercion | Changing views through argument versus pressure |
| Social perception and social cognition | Forming impressions versus processing social information |
Quizzes and papers often test whether you can tell such pairs apart. Writing one example for each side of each pair is a quick way to check yourself before an assessment.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Explaining by personality. Look at the situation first.
- Naming without explaining. Define the effect and its mechanism.
- Old studies without context. Note limits.
- Few real examples. Use news and workplace cases.
Study Tips for PSYC 220
- Keep a studies table: setting, finding, limit.
- Apply each concept to an event you know.
- Review PSYC 100 social behavior notes.
- Note which codes the credit rule excludes if you transferred courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
UMGC lists it as formerly PSYC 321.
PSYC 100.
3.
UMGC allows credit for only one of BEHS 221, BEHS 421, BEHS 450, PSYC 220, PSYC 221 or PSYC 321.
Yes, group behavior is a named topic.
Yes.