Social Psychology Overview and Experiments

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a dispositional factor influencing life satisfaction?

Environmental conditions (correct)

Mood

Political Preference

Demographic factors

What was a common observation related to life satisfaction during the COVID study?

Open-minded people had less concern about COVID

Associated health issues increased life satisfaction

Working from home decreased life satisfaction

Extraverted individuals reported less life satisfaction (correct)

What does the second-order change focus on according to community psychology?

Economic growth as the primary focus

Individual success and accolades

Short-term solutions to problems

Empowering community problem-solving (correct)

In the Brindal 2021 COVID study, which of the following factors contributed to more life satisfaction?

Increased time for hobbies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social psychology?

The thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influenced by others Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of participants in the windowless room study felt uncomfortable due to lack of human contact?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following limitations affects the reliability of the COVID study findings?

Participants reported feelings retrospectively Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic factor is least likely to influence a person's reaction to a situation?

Proximity to major cities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential impact of social isolation?

Improved cognitive function Signup and view all the answers

What limitation was noted in the social isolation study regarding demographic representation?

Lack of cultural representation Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is rejected by community psychology in favor of a collectivist perspective?

Individualism and first-order change Signup and view all the answers

How many degrees of separation is the 'small world phenomenon' theorized to involve?

5 Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is associated with less life satisfaction during the COVID study?

Worsening diet quality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ethical considerations is associated with conducting research on human participants?

Informed consent Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception is highlighted concerning an individual's reaction to social situations?

Context can alter how individuals behave Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as contributing to social behavior variability?

Personal finances Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social psychology is the scientific study of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence (actual, imagined, or implied) of other people.

Gordon Allport (1954)

Emphasized how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by other people.
Highlighted the study of individuals within society.
Stressed the role of other people and media in shaping attitudes about the world.

Five volunteers were isolated in a windowless room with only food, water, and entertainment.
80% of participants expressed discomfort without human contact.
Most participants couldn't withstand isolation for long periods.
Psychological stress (anxiety and depression) occurred in some.
One participant lasted 8 days without negative effects.
All volunteers experienced varying durations.

Limitations of Schachter's Experiment

Small sample size.
Lack of cultural diversity.
Limited representation.
Lack of control group, and natural environment.
Unaccounted for the impact of food and entertainment on motivation.
Unclear measurement tools of psychological impact.

Ethics Considerations

Participants had a right to withdraw at any point.
Participants received informed consent.
Resources and debriefing were available post-experiment.
Recruitment methods.
Benefits to the participants.
Participants were not coerced or paid.

Social isolation is linked with:
- High blood pressure
- Mental illness
- Physical inactivity
- Dementia
- Emotional distress
- Poorer immune functioning
- Smoking
- Poor sleep
- Reduced well-being
- Poor health behaviours,
- Premature death

Milgram 1967 (6 Degrees of Separation)

Introduced the "Small World Phenomenon."
Suggested any two individuals can be linked via a chain of acquaintanceships of at most five intermediary individuals.

Environmental Factors

Factors to explain why the same person can act differently in varying situations.
- Other people
- Objects
- Information
- Social systems
- Events

Dispositional Factors

Factors to explain why individuals react differently to the same situation.
- Personality
- Demographic factors (age, gender)
- Mood
- Culture
- Prior beliefs
- Genetic predispositions
- Skills
- Educational level
- Political preference

Brinkdal 2021 COVID Study

Examined how life satisfaction changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Found that personal factors (dispositional) significantly affected how people felt about their life satisfaction before, during, and after the pandemic.
Factors that improved life satisfaction:
- Working from home.
- More children living at home.
- More time for hobbies.
- Open minded individuals.
Factors that decreased life satisfaction:
- Unhealthy eating patterns worsened.
- Increased screen time.
- Extroverted individuals.
- Agreeable individuals.
- Concerns about COVID's societal impact.

Strengths and Limitations of Brinkdal Study

Strengths: Large sample size. Measurement of numerous dispositional factors.
Limitations: Self-reported data, potential for recall bias (distorting answers), subjective nature of response about a past event.

Community Psychology & Collectivism

Emphasizes societal and environmental factors affecting behavior and mental wellbeing
Seeks to address societal problems collectively
Aims for improvements by considering the needs of many through shared interventions.

Explores social isolation through community-based initiatives.
Highlights the importance of social connections and the ramifications of isolation.
Recognizes that dispositional factors have influence on how people react to social environments.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of social psychology including its definition, influences on behavior, and pivotal experiments like Schachter's isolation study. Understand how individual thoughts and feelings can be affected by the presence of others, highlighting the important role society plays in shaping our attitudes and behaviors.