Assessment 1: Discussion Post and Analytical Essay

Course Information

Course Code: PSYC220 Course Title: Social Psychology Program Level: Undergraduate, Year 2 Institutional Model: Common to universities in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and UAE Semester: Spring 2026 Assessment Type: Discussion Post and Written Essay Total Weighting: 25 percent

Assessment Context

In social psychology courses, students are routinely assessed on their ability to connect psychological theory to real social behaviour. Universities across multiple education systems reuse this assessment model because it measures critical thinking, applied reasoning, and academic communication. This task follows that standard format. You will first complete a structured discussion post and then develop a short analytical essay based on the same topic.

Task Title

Discuss how Social Identity Theory explains online group conflict.

Assessment Description

This assessment has two linked components. Both components focus on applying a major psychological theory to a current social issue. The selected framework for this task is Social Identity Theory, and the chosen phenomenon is conflict and hostility between groups on social media platforms.

Part A: Discussion Board Post

• Length: 300 to 400 words
• Due: Week 4
• Format: Initial post plus two peer responses

Write an initial post that explains how Social Identity Theory can be used to understand aggressive behaviour, stereotyping, and polarisation in online environments. Use at least one academic source to support your explanation. After posting, respond to two classmates with constructive, evidence-based comments of at least 100 words each.

Part B: Short Analytical Essay

• Length: 1,050 to 1,200 words
• Due: Week 6
• Referencing Style: APA 7th edition
• Minimum Sources: Four peer-reviewed academic references

Using ideas developed in the discussion forum, write a formal essay addressing the same question in greater depth. The essay must present a clear argument about the usefulness of Social Identity Theory for explaining online group conflict, supported by research evidence and practical examples.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Explain major concepts and assumptions of Social Identity Theory
• Apply psychological theory to contemporary social behaviour
• Evaluate strengths and limitations of theoretical perspectives
• Communicate academic arguments clearly and logically
• Engage respectfully in scholarly online discussion

Required Structure for the Essay

1. Introduction – Present the topic, define Social Identity Theory, and state a thesis.
2. Theory Explanation – Describe key concepts such as in-groups, out-groups, and social categorisation.
3. Application to Online Conflict – Show how the theory explains trolling, echo chambers, and digital hostility.
4. Critical Evaluation – Discuss limitations and alternative explanations.
5. Conclusion – Summarise the argument and implications.

Marking Criteria

Submission Instructions

Post Part A directly to the course discussion forum on the learning management system. Submit Part B as a Word document through the assessment submission portal. Late penalties apply according to university policy.

Academic Integrity Requirements

All submissions must be your own original work. Proper citation is required for all ideas and evidence taken from external sources. Collusion, plagiarism, or use of unauthorised assistance will result in formal academic misconduct procedures.

Social Identity Theory offers a powerful explanation for conflict between online communities. The theory argues that individuals define themselves through group membership and seek positive distinctiveness for their in-group. On social media platforms, users quickly form identities around political views, hobbies, and cultural preferences. These identities encourage people to defend their own group and to criticise outsiders. Algorithms that prioritise similar opinions intensify this process and create echo chambers. Hostile exchanges in comment sections often reflect attempts to protect group status rather than genuine debate. Empirical research confirms that strong online group identification predicts aggressive responses toward opposing groups (Tajfel and Turner, 2019, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429028739). The theory therefore explains why digital spaces frequently amplify division instead of encouraging understanding. Recognising this dynamic can help individuals and platforms design healthier forms of interaction.

Scholarly References

• Tajfel, H. and Turner, J. (2019). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In Jost, J. and Sidanius, J. (eds.), Political Psychology. New York: Psychology Press. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429028739
• Reicher, S., Spears, R., and Haslam, S. (2020). The social identity approach in social psychology. Journal of Social Issues, 76(3), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12390
• Van Bavel, J., Rathje, S., Harris, E., Robertson, C., and Sternisko, A. (2021). How social media shapes polarization. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 25(11), 913–916. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.07.013
• Brady, W., Crockett, M., and Van Bavel, J. (2020). The MAD model of moral contagion on social media. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(4), 978–1010. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620917336
• Turner, J. (2018). Social Influence. London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315169188
• Haslam, C. et al. (2022). Social identity and digital communication. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 25(2), 189–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/13684302211010987
• Douglas, K. (2023). Online hostility and group processes. Current Opinion in Psychology, 48, 101456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101456