Social Psychology
the scientific study of the effects of social and cognitive processes on the way individuals perceive, influence and relate to others.
The scientific investigation of how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influences by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others.
aims of social psychology
- what are the psychological motivations or aggressions and conflict, or peace and harmony.
- helps us understand who we are and why we hold the views we do.
why study org psych?
- helps people work more effectively.
- studies how to increase motivation, commitment and efficiency.
- reduces stress, illness and absenteeism.
- helps improve teamwork and align goals of individuals and groups.
features of social psych
- history
- reliance on data and the scientific method.
- a focus on individual minds (thoughts, feelings and intentions).
- an emphasis on the mutual effects of individuals and situations.
history of social psych
- began to emerge around WWII.
Stimulated research on obedience, prejudice, conformity and influence.
studies of behaviour
- Social psychologists study behaviour as it can be observed and measured.
- The relationship between observable processes and overt behaviour is a focus of research.
social psychology in contrast to psychology
- One problem with defining social psychology in terms of its topics is that this does not properly differentiate it from other disciplines (as many disciplines may study the same topics but get different information out of the study).
- What makes social psychology distinct is a combination of what it studies, how it studies and what level of explanation is sought.
external validity/mundane realism
Similarity between circumstances surrounding an experiment and circumstances encountered in everyday life.
internal validity/experimental realism
Psychological impact of the manipulations in an experiment.
