Social psychology is the study of how being in a group influences us. Groups can increase or decrease aggression, creativity, and independent thinking. We can act exactly the same or quite, depending on which group we join.
we start off in a family, go to school and play with friends. We are never not part of a group. Those groups help shape us. We influence them, and they influence us. It is a reciprocal relationship.
Sociology studies the group. Social psychology studies the individual although people differ, some individuals are highly influenced by groups. in a group. It is a matter of environmental influence. They cheer with a group, party with a group, and even cry with a group. Some believe they are part of a team just because they watch the players win, or lose.
With social media, group don’t have to have even met in person. It is the interactions that matter. People are social animals. We influence and are influenced by others.
You should take a class in social psychology to put other psychological theories in perspective. Psychology focuses on the individual. It is good to be reminded that we are also part of a larger context.
Here is a catalog style description of the course:
The study of social influence on behavior. Topics include aggression, delayed gratification, and cognitive dissonance. Persuasion, leadership and group dynamics are also discussed.
Here is what it really means:
Think of how important your fiends are to you. Learn how they are both good and bad for you.
Let’s start with Gordon Allport and the importance of attitudes.
Attitudes
Want to jump ahead?
- Social Learning Theory
- Attitudes
- Delayed Gratification
- CognitivevDissonance
- Conformity
- Persuasion & Leadership
- Social Influence
- Groupthink
- Group Dynamics
- Antisocial & Prosocial Behavior
- Social Cognition
Resources
- Notes
- Terms
- Quiz
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