Social Psychology notes
Notes: Definition(s): Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to others. The focus may be on perceptions and attitudes, interactions among people, or group dynamics. The systematic study of human behavior with emphasis on the social context. Study of society: scientific study of how people think about it, influence, and relate to others 3 main approaches to/ levels of social psychology: Societal - different views on issues in society and the conflicts that may arise Individual - assistance in coping/socializing/conforming Interpersonal level It has its roots in the psychoanalytic theory (Freud), behaviorism (Kurt Koffka) and Gestalt psychology. For instance, social psychologists recognize that behavior is influenced by personal motives and by the emotional reactions individuals have to situations and other people. They are interested in how we learn to be helpful or to obey authority or to espouse conservative pol...