Psychology of Human Relationships (Option)

Learning outcomes

General framework (applicable to all topics in the option)

• To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence human relationships?
• Evaluate psychological research (that is, theories and/or studies) relevant to the study of human relationships.

Social responsibility

• Distinguish between altruism and prosocial behaviour.
• Contrast two theories explaining altruism in humans.
• Using one or more research studies, explain cross‑cultural differences in prosocial behaviour.
• Examine factors influencing bystanderism.

Interpersonal relationships

• Examine biological, psychological and social origins of attraction.
• Discuss the role of communication in maintaining relationships.
• Explain the role that culture plays in the formation and maintenance of relationships.
• Analyse why relationships may change or end.

Violence

• Evaluate sociocultural explanations of the origins of violence.
• Discuss the relative effectiveness of two strategies for reducing violence.
• Discuss the effects of short‑term and long‑term exposure to violence.