Social Psychology Overview and Theories

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Questions and Answers

What does social psychology primarily study?

The development of personal identity without societal influence

The influence of biological factors on behavior

How history affects individual thoughts and actions

The influence of others on individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (correct)

According to the results of Schachter's social isolation experiment, what percentage of participants felt uncomfortable due to lack of human contact?

60%

90%

80% (correct)

70%

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

Mental illness

High blood pressure

Increased metabolic rate (correct)

Poor immune function

What concept illustrates the idea of being connected by a few intermediaries, according to Milgram's research?

Six degrees of separation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a limitation of Schachter's 1959 social isolation experiment?

It lacked a control group Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered an environmental factor influencing behavior?

Personal values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Gordon Allport's focus in social psychology?

Societal influences on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological condition is associated with social isolation?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most likely to contribute to increased life satisfaction during COVID according to the findings?

Working from home Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of personality is linked to decreased life satisfaction during the pandemic?

Extraverted personalities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the focus of community psychology?

Rejects individualism in favor of collectivism Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Brindal 2021 study, which limitation is associated with the data collected?

Participants may have provided socially desirable responses Signup and view all the answers

What is one goal of second-order change in community psychology?

To encourage systemic social interventions for long-term improvement Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic factor is considered a dispositional factor influencing reactions to situations?

Age and gender Signup and view all the answers

What critical concept is illustrated by Milgram's Small World Phenomenon?

Connections can be traced through a small network of intermediaries Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor measured in the Brindal 2021 study regarding life satisfaction?

Health status Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social psychology scientifically explains how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others (actual, imagined, or implied presence of others).
It emphasizes the role of society, media, and interpersonal interactions.

Key Theories & Concepts

Gordon Allport (1954): Social psychology focuses on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others.
- Society and media shape individual attitudes.
- Social psychology examines external influences on behavior, considering individuals within their societal context.

Experiment Setup: Five volunteers were isolated in a windowless room with only basic necessities (food, water, entertainment).
Results:
- 80% exhibited psychological distress (anxiety, depression).
- One person lasted eight days without significant distress. Most could not tolerate more than two days of isolation. This highlights the impact psychological stress.
Limitations: Small sample size, lack of diversity, no control group, and lacking standardized measurement for psychological impact. Ethical concerns included lack of informed consent, freedom to withdraw, and debriefing.

Social isolation is associated with high blood pressure, mental illness (anxiety, depression), physical inactivity, dementia, emotional distress, decreased immune function, smoking, poor sleep, and premature death.

Milgram's 1967 Small World Phenomenon

6 Degrees of Separation: Any two people are connected by at most five intermediaries. This concept emphasizes human interconnectedness.

Environmental vs. Dispositional Factors

Environmental Factors: How different situations influence behavior (e.g., peer pressure, media, social norms).
Dispositional Factors: How individual characteristics influence reactions to situations (e.g., personality, demographics, beliefs, skills).

Brindle 2021 COVID Study on Life Satisfaction

Key Findings: More life satisfaction during COVID-19 lockdowns, possibly due to working from home.

Community Psychology & Collectivism

Focuses on societal and environmental factors impacting behavior (rejects individual responsibility).
Supports collectivism (emphasizing societal issues and second-order change).
Aimed at preventative measures and community problem-solving, through systemic social interventions.

Study focused on the impact of community activity on social isolation.
Social connection is crucial in countering social isolation, acknowledging that individual characteristics influence how people react to it.

Social psychology: External factors (others, society, media) influence individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Milgram’s Small World Phenomenon: Emphasizes human interconnectedness.
Recognizing social isolation's negative effects on mental and physical health (e.g., depression, poor health).

Environmental vs. Dispositional (General Summary)

Differentiate how external factors vs. internal characteristics (personality, predispositions) shape behavior.

COVID-19 Study Implications (General Summary)

Recognize the dispositional factors that affected life satisfaction during COVID-19.

Community Psychology (General Summary)

Social change, emphasized by second-order solutions for improving overall well-being instead of individual behavior modification.

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Description

Explore the essentials of social psychology, focusing on how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by societal influences. This quiz covers key concepts including the role of society, media, and notable experiments such as Schachter's isolation study. Test your understanding of the theories and implications of social interactions.