Social Psychology: How Social Influences Impact Behaviour

Course Overview

Social influence refers to the process where an individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the presence and actions of others, as well as interactions with others.

The Social Psychology: How Social Influences Impact Behaviour micro-credential course highlights the impact of social influence on individual thinking, feeling and behaviour.

This course explores how human behaviour is influenced within social contexts such as families, friendships, and peer groups. Explore how behaviour differs in small intimate social groups and organisations versus larger gatherings, and large organisations.

In this micro-credential you will investigate group dynamics. Discover the impact of leadership, power, communication patterns, and social norms on behaviour and the overall functioning of the group.

Gain a better understanding of how individuals form opinions, make decisions, and respond to social stimuli within a collective setting.

The course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the field of social psychology, and the different facets of human life.

What You’ll Learn

Over the course of eight (8) weeks, through videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

Week 1: Gain an understanding of how social influence tends to dictate our beliefs and behaviours.

Week 2: Explore factors that influence human decision-making and behaviour.

Week 3: Investigate how prosocial behaviour is embedded within the “belongingness hypothesis.”

Week 4: Anti-social behaviour in the forms of aggression and violence.

Week 5: The importance and complexities of close relationships.

Week 6: Sexuality and current social influence.

Week 7:  Understand how social influences impact on health.

Week 8: Undertake a summative assessment that captures all the key learning outcomes for this course.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Describe the power of social influence leading to obedience and conformity to social expectations.
• Define the principle of self-regulation in mediating behaviour change despite negative social influences.
• Recognise the significance of prosocial behaviours in positive self-development and helping others.
• Identify antisocial behaviours and symptoms of aggression.
• Examine the nature of close relationships and definitions of love.
• Explain current social influences upon expressions of sexuality.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of competence and badge. Your certificate and badge can be shared on 100+ social media platforms, allowing you to share your achievement with a single click.

Stackable Credentials

Stack specified combinations of micro-credentials and they can be recognised as equivalent to a module within the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree at SACAP. Social Psychology: How Social Influences Shape Identity can be stacked with Social Psychology: How Social Influences Impact Behaviour and if you meet the minimum entrance criteria, you can enrol for the Bachelor of Applied Social Science Degree or the Bachelor of Psychology Degree and apply for module exemption.

Dates

• Class of 2026 August: 10 August – 4 October
• Class of 2026 September: 7 September – 1 November
• Class of 2026 October: 12 October – 6 December

There are no online classes. Course content is released on a weekly basis allowing you to work through the course material, and meet weekly targets, at a time that is most convenient to you.

FAQs

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.