Psychology vs Social Psychology

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in the research process according to the outlined approach?

Selecting Subjects

Analyze Data

Select a research topic (correct)

Data Collection

What does a random sample ensure in research studies?

Participants volunteer out of interest

Subjects are chosen based on their expertise

Every individual has a chance of being selected (correct)

Only certain individuals are included

Which method of data collection involves the experimenters observing behavior directly?

Observation (correct)

Surveys

Self-Report

Archival Information

In the context of the research, what is the purpose of formulating hypotheses?

To predict expected outcomes in the study Signup and view all the answers

What notable psychological transformation is suggested in the possible hypotheses?

Ordinary people might become aggressive in prison life Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the core values that make social psychology scientific?

Accuracy Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with conducting the first experimental study in social psychology?

Norman Triplett Signup and view all the answers

What was the significant finding of Norman Triplett's study on cyclists?

Cyclists' speed increases when paced by others. Signup and view all the answers

Which book is recognized as the first publication in social psychology?

Introduction to Social Psychology Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social behavior did Mc Dougall emphasize in his book?

Innate tendencies or instincts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of psychology?

The scientific study of the human mind and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of skepticism in social psychology?

To verify the accuracy of results. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically explored by social psychology?

Personality traits Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Floyd Allport publish a textbook that modernized social psychology?

1924 Signup and view all the answers

According to Gordon Allport, what does social psychology study?

The influence of imagined or implied presence of others Signup and view all the answers

What are early studies in social psychology primarily based on?

Individual behavior and instincts Signup and view all the answers

What defines social psychology as a scientific field?

It seeks to understand behavior in social situations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following topics would be covered under social psychology?

Aggression in social contexts Signup and view all the answers

What does social psychology primarily explore in terms of individuals?

Their thoughts and feelings in social environments Signup and view all the answers

Which discipline is NOT a subfield of psychology mentioned in the context?

Cognitive psychology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of social psychology compared to general psychology?

It includes the influence of societal and environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

What major event sparked increased research interest in social psychology?

World War II Signup and view all the answers

Which work was published by John Thibaut and Harold Kelly in 1959?

The Social Psychology of Groups Signup and view all the answers

What topic was explored by Sandra Bem in 1974?

Sex role inventory Signup and view all the answers

What concept is attributed to the understanding of the causes of others' behavior?

Attribution Signup and view all the answers

Which study was crucial for advancing the understanding of romantic attraction in 1966?

Studies by Elaine and her colleagues Signup and view all the answers

What was a key contribution of Hazel Markus and Shinobu Kitayama in 1991?

Cultural influences on the self Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of David Buss and Neil Malamuth's 1996 publication?

Evolutionary and feminist perspectives on gender Signup and view all the answers

What research area gained prominence in the 1980s within social psychology?

Gender differences Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of systematic observation in research methodology?

To support or disprove a hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of observation technique mentioned in research methodology?

Experiential observation Signup and view all the answers

What are the two key components involved in the experimental method of research?

Independent variable and dependent variable Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of informed consent in research?

To ensure participants have knowledge about the study before participating Signup and view all the answers

What does deception in research imply?

Withholding information about the study’s purpose to change behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which correlation indicates an inverse relationship between two variables?

Negative correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical concern with using temporary deception in social psychology research?

It may lead to a lack of trust in future studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of debriefing participants after a study?

To explain the purpose of the study and any deception used Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Psychology is a scientific study of individual human mind and behavior.
Social psychology, a branch of psychology, focuses on societal influences on individual behavior.
Major areas under psychology include personality, positive, and developmental psychology.
Social psychology examines how behavior, emotions, and mental processes are impacted by social environments.

Defined as a scientific field that investigates the causes of individual behavior and thought in social contexts.
Explores influence of social environment on thoughts, feelings, and actions (Robert A. Baron).
Engages in the scientific study of interactions and relationships between individuals.

Social psychology is scientific due to four core values:
- Accuracy: Information should be precise and error-free.
- Objectivity: Analysis must be unbiased.
- Skepticism: Verification of results is crucial for accuracy.

Historical Background

Early exploration emerged from humanity's quest to measure thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Norman Triplett initiated social psychology with his 1895 study on performance in the presence of others, revealing increased speed in cyclists when competing together.
Mc Dougall's "Introduction to Social Psychology" (1908) marked the first formal book on the subject; he emphasized the individual as the primary unit of analysis.

Post-WWII period ignited interest in understanding group behaviors.
Key research on extreme obedience was spurred by historical events (e.g., Hitler’s influence).
Notable publications introduced new concepts, such as Thibaut & Kelly's 1959 work on group dynamics, and Milgram's 1963 obedience studies.

Maturing Field (1970s-1990s)

Emergence of diverse topics in social psychology:
- Attribution theory explored the understanding of behavior causes (1972).
- Developments in gender studies, notably Bem's Sex Role Inventory (1974).
- Exploration of cultural influences on self-concept (Markus & Kitayama, 1991).

Systematic observation aims to support or refute hypotheses through various techniques:
- Naturalistic observation.
- Surveys to gather data on behaviors and attitudes.
Correlational studies identify relationships between variables, classified as positive, negative, or none.

Conducting Ethical Research

Social psychology research balances experimental procedures and ethical considerations:
- Deception may be employed to conceal study purposes, raising ethical concerns addressed through informed consent and debriefing.
Informed consent ensures participants are adequately informed about the study before participation.
Debriefing provides participants with a full account of the study's purpose and any deception post-participation.

Steps for Conducting Research

Select a meaningful research topic to explore psychological effects.
Review existing literature to understand prior findings.
Develop hypotheses predicting the outcomes of the study.
Choose subjects using random sampling to ensure diversity and equity.
Data collection includes self-reports, observations, and archival analysis.
Analyze and share data findings to contribute to the field.

Social psychology investigates behaviors beyond logical reasoning, focusing on complexities of human actions and social contexts.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between psychology and social psychology. It discusses how standard psychology focuses on individual behavior while social psychology examines the impact of society on individuals. Test your knowledge of these two branches of psychology.