Week 1 Lib450 Social Psychology PDF

The Science of the Social Side of Life WEEK 1 LIB450: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Dr Hamizah Sahharon Introduction to Social Psychology Thoughts: How we think about ourselves and others. Feelings: How emotions are shaped by social interactions. Behaviors:...

The Science of the Social Side of Life WEEK 1 LIB450: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Dr Hamizah Sahharon Introduction to Social Psychology Thoughts: How we think about ourselves and others. Feelings: How emotions are shaped by social interactions. Behaviors: How actions are influenced by social contexts. Understanding social psychology helps us comprehend how social influences shape individual behaviors and societal norms. Defining Social Psychology Sociology: Focuses on societal structures and institutions. General Psychology: Studies individual mental processes and behavior. Interaction between individual and social environment. Influence of social factors on individual behavior. Historical Background of Social Psychology Early Development ✓ Kurt Lewin: Father of modern social psychology, introduced the concept of field theory. ✓ Lewin's Field Theory: Understanding Individual-Environment Relationship Emphasizes individual-environment influence on behavior. Personal characteristics shape environment, vice versa. Provides deeper understanding of life. Cont. ✓ William McDougall: Early pioneer in social psychology. He introduced a Darwinian theory of human behavior, positing inherited instincts as complex programs that lead to emotional reactions and behaviors. He believed that many social behaviors were motivated by instincts but viewed them as complex programs. ✓ William McDougall's Instinct Theory of Motivation Instinct drives all behaviors. Viewed instinct as purposive, goal-directed. All organisms born with natural biological tendencies. Cont. ✓ Erich Fromm, a German-born American psychoanalyst and social philosopher, explored the relationship between psychology and society. He believed in applying psychoanalytic principles to address cultural issues and create a balanced society. ✓ Fromm's Humanistic Socialism Believes character evolves to meet needs. Five essential human needs: relatedness, rootedness, transcendence, sense of identity, and frame of orientation. Absence of these can lead to mental and social problems. Founder of humanistic socialism, emphasizing freedom and meeting human needs. Landmark Studies Stanford Prison Experiment Milgram’s Obedience Study The Rosenhan experiment 1971 1963 1973 Explored the power of situational Milgram's theory suggests that Rosenhan conducted a study to verify influences on behavior. Philip people have two states of behavior the validity of diagnosing mental Zimbardo's 1971 Stanford Prison in social situations: autonomous illness, using pseudo-patients Experiment involved 24 male and agentic. To enter the agentic disguised as patients. Including college students as guards or state, the person giving orders Rosenhan and seven volunteers, were prisoners, resulting in cruel and must be perceived as legitimate diagnosed with serious mental depressed conditions, but was and the person must believe the disorders and left hospitals without concluded after shock. authority will take responsibility. medical advice. The study highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between insanity and sanity. Related Theories The bystander effect theory The Halo Effect 1920 False Consensus Effect 1977 1968 In ambiguous situations, onlookers The halo effect is a cognitive bias The false consensus effect refers to may be less likely to intervene, as where a person's overall individuals viewing their own behaviors they may perceive no response as impression influences others' as common and appropriate, while necessary or appropriate, as seen in perceptions of their specific traits. alternative responses are viewed as the Kitty Genovese case. Three It is often associated with the uncommon, deviant, or inappropriate, psychological factors facilitate physical attractiveness stereotype, revealing personal characteristics. bystander lack of interest: diffusion of where people perceive others as responsibility, fear of public likable and intelligent, influencing judgment, and pluralistic ignorance. their judgments. Major Theories and Concepts ✓ Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Discomfort from holding conflicting beliefs leads to attitude change. Example: Justifying a difficult decision to reduce tension. ✓ Social Identity Theory: People derive part of their identity from group memberships. Example: National pride influencing behavior during international sports events.  So, why social psychology? A scientific field examining individual behavior, thoughts, and feelings in social contexts. Examines interaction between individual behavior and social environment. Emphasizes shaping thoughts, feelings, and actions through interactions and perceptions. Focuses on the role of relationships and emotions in psychological health. Emotional influence influences willingness to help others and prosocial behavior. Social connections boost self-esteem when internalized as part of identity. Utilizes scientific approach, focusing on individual behaviors. Aims to understand underlying causes of social behavior, which can vary across different contexts. Emphasizes the role of emotions in influencing social behavior. Recognizes cognitive and behavioral links. Recognizes cultural influence on social behavior and perceptions. Employs diverse research methodologies including systematic observation, correlation studies, experimental methods, and meta-  Social Psychology: What It Is and Is Not Social psychology encompasses a wide range of topics, yet it is unified by its goal of understanding social behavior. It investigates various phenomena, including: Interpersonal relationships: 2 Group dynamics: the effect 3 Prejudice and discrimination: 1 how relationships influence of group membership on understanding the roots and perceptions and behaviors. individual behavior. effects of biased social attitudes. Social influence: how Self-identity: the impact of Aggression and altruism: 4 5 6 others' presence affects social contexts on self- exploring the motivations decision-making and perception and identity behind helping behavior and behavior. formation. aggression. Socialization: how individuals Digital interactions: the influence of 7 8 learn social norms and technology and social media on behaviors. social behavior, especially in modern contexts  Advances and Boundaries in Social Psychology Social psychology is continually evolving to address contemporary issues and research areas, including: Social neuroscience: examining Emotional influences: the brain mechanisms that investigating how emotions underlie social thought and impact social interactions and behavior, including the role of decision-making processes. mirror neurons in empathy. Psychological research Cultural diversity: an increased methods: advancements in focus on multicultural research methodologies that perspectives and how cultural enhance the understanding of contexts influence social social phenomena. behavior. Health psychology: exploring Technology's role: assessing how the impact of social factors on digital interactions and social health behaviors and outcomes. media influence traditional social Environmental psychology: behaviors. investigating how social Behavioral economics: environments impact individual understanding how social factors and group behavior regarding influence economic decisions and sustainability and ecological consumer behavior. issues Communication Importance of effective communication Verbal and nonverbal communication Barriers to communication  Group Dynamics Formation and structure of groups 01 02 Group decision- making Influence of group 03 norms Social Influence Types of social influence Conformity and obedience Persuasion techniques Cultural Differences 01 Cultural norms and values 02 Impact of culture on social behavior 03 Cross-cultural communication Significance of Relationships in Social Psychology Relationships contribute to individual well-being and happiness. Close relationships foster unrealistically positive perceptions, promoting longevity. Strong social connections enhance emotional health and stress resilience. Relationships shape identity, decision-making, and behaviors. Cultural influences shape relationship engagement and perception. Group membership boosts self-esteem and well-being. Social neuroscience reveals brain mechanisms in social thought and behavior. Empathy and connection are crucial for healthy relationships. Challenges of isolation underscore the need for connections. Cultural factors influence relationship formation and maintenance.  Social Change Causes and consequences of social change 01 02 Social movements and activism The role of technology in 03 social change Primary methods of research 1. Experimental Method Systematic change: one variable is systematically altered to observe its effects on another variable. Causal relationships: when systematic changes in one variable led to changes in another, causal relationships can be inferred. Method of choice: the experimental method is favored due to its effectiveness in answering questions about cause and effect in social behaviors Cont. 2. Systematic Observation Careful Observation: Involves observing behaviors in a structured manner rather than informal watching. Measurement: Accurate and careful measurement of specific behaviors across different individuals is essential. Naturalistic Observation: Researchers may observe behaviors in real-world settings, such as malls or campuses, to gather data on social interactions Cont. 3. Survey Research Questionnaires and Interviews: Surveys are used to collect data on people's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Quantitative and Qualitative Data: Surveys can yield both numerical data for statistical analysis and qualitative insights into social phenomena. Large Samples: They enable researchers to gather information from large populations, increasing the generalizability of findings. Cont. 4. Correlational Studies Relationship Analysis: These studies assess the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. Non-causal Relationships: While they can identify associations, correlational studies do not establish causation. Useful in Hypothesis Generation: They can be used to form hypotheses that can later be tested through experiments. Cont. 5. Case Studies In-depth Analysis: Focus on a single subject or group to gain detailed insights into complex social behaviors. Rich Qualitative Data: They provide comprehensive context that can highlight unique social dynamics. Limitations: Findings may not be widely applicable due to the focus on specific cases. Cont. 6. Longitudinal Studies Over Time: Researchers track the same individuals or groups over extended periods to observe changes and developments. Causal Insights: These studies can offer insights into the effects of social factors over time. Complexity and Cost: They can be resource- intensive and require careful planning. Cont. 7. Cross-Sectional Studies Snapshot Approach: Analyze data from a population at a single point in time. Comparison Across Groups: Allows for comparison between different demographic groups regarding social behaviors or attitudes. Efficiency: Generally quicker and less expensive than longitudinal studies. Cont. 8. Content Analysis Media and Communication: This method involves analyzing texts, images, or media to identify patterns or themes in social psychology. Quantitative and Qualitative: Can involve counting occurrences (quantitative) or interpreting meaning (qualitative). Application: Often used in studies of social media, advertising, or public discourse. The Role of Social Cognition Perception and How we perceive and interpret social information can be illustrated with examples, such as reading facial expressions to gauge Interpretation emotions. Memory Social experiences are often encoded and recalled more vividly than solitary events, emphasizing the impact of social cognition. Interpersonal Relationships and Attraction Key Factors Proximity: Physical closeness increases the likelihood of relationships. Similarity: Shared interests enhance connections. Theories Attachment Theory: Early relationships influence future connections. Social Exchange Theory: Relationships are based on cost-benefit analyses. Social Perception and Attribution Forming Impressions We form impressions of others based on available information. For example, first impressions are often formed based on appearance and behavior. Two key theories are: Fundamental Attribution Error, which involves overestimating personal factors while underestimating situational factors in Attribution Theories others' behaviors Self-Serving Bias, where individuals attribute their successes to themselves and failures to external factors. These processes significantly influence how we judge and interact with others. Group Behavior and Dynamics Key Concepts Examples Importance Groupthink: Desire for harmony leads Groupthink: Historical examples like Understanding group dynamics helps to poor decision-making. the Bay of Pigs invasion. improve teamwork and decision- making. Social Facilitation: Performance Social Facilitation: Enhanced athletic improves in the presence of others. performance in front of an audience. Social Loafing: Individuals exert less Social Loafing: Reduced effort in effort in group tasks. group projects. Prejudice and Discrimination Causes Stereotype Threat: Fear of confirming negative stereotypes affects performance. Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes influence behavior. Consequences Social Inequality: Discrimination leads to unequal opportunities and outcomes. Mental Health: Prejudice and discrimination negatively impact mental well-being. Research Studies focus on reducing prejudice through intergroup contact and education. Importance: Addressing prejudice and discrimination is crucial for social justice and equality. Prosocial Behavior and Altruism Factors Encouraging Helping Empathy: Feeling others’ emotions motivates helping. Behavior Social Norms: Cultural expectations guide prosocial behavior. Theories of Prosocial Behavior Altruism: Helping others with no expectation of reward. Bystander Intervention: Factors influencing whether people help in emergencies. Relevant Studies Kitty Genovese Case: Sparked research on bystander effect. Good Samaritan Study: Influence of time pressure on helping behavior. Aggression and Conflict Origins of Aggression Theories of Aggression Notable Studies on Aggression Biological Factors: Genetic and Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis: Bobo Doll Experiment: Demonstrated neurological influences. Frustration leads to aggressive social learning of aggression. behavior. Environmental Factors: Social and Real-World Conflicts: Analysis of situational triggers. Social Learning Theory: Aggression is aggression in societal and learned through observation and international conflicts. imitation. Cultural Influences on Social Behavior Cultural Norms and Values Cross-Cultural Research Impact of Culture on Behavior Influence of cultural background Studying social behaviors across Cultural context shapes social on behavior and attitudes. different cultures. interactions and interpretations. Example: Individualism vs. Example: Differences in collectivism. conformity and obedience. Boundaries of Social Psychology Limitations Scope: Focuses on social influences, may overlook individual psychological factors. Generalizability: Findings from specific studies may not apply universally. Interdisciplinary Overlaps Overlap with Sociology: Both fields study social behavior but from different perspectives. Overlap with Anthropology: Cultural studies intersect with social psychological research. Critical View Acknowledging boundaries helps refine research and application of social psychology. Interactive Case Study: Classic Social Psychology Experiments Activity Experiments to Discuss Learning Outcomes Students will analyze and discuss the Stanford Prison Experiment: Power of Understanding real-world applications outcomes of classic social psychology situational influences. of experimental findings. Developing experiments in small groups. critical thinking and discussion skills. Milgram’s Obedience Study: Authority and compliance. Asch’s Conformity Experiments: Group pressure and conformity. Real-World Applications Marketing Health Organizational Behavior Using social influence principles Promoting healthy behaviors Improving teamwork and to shape consumer behavior. through social norms and leadership using group dynamics support. insights. Example: Social proof in advertising. Example: Anti-smoking Example: Enhancing productivity campaigns. through social facilitation. Ethical Considerations Informed Consent Ensuring participants understand the study and agree to participate. Example: Clear explanations of study procedures and risks. Handling Deception Using deception only when necessary and debriefing participants afterward. Example: Explaining the true purpose of the study post-experiment. Ethical Challenges Balancing research goals with participant rights and well-being. Example: Ethical dilemmas in controversial studies like Milgram’s. Future Directions in Social Psychology Emerging Trends Future Research Areas Key trends include the Areas for future exploration Integration of Technology, where include Digital Social Interactions, AI and big data are utilized in which study social behavior in social psychology research, and online environments, and Global Interdisciplinary Studies, which Issues that tackle the social involve collaborations with fields psychological aspects of such as neuroscience and challenges like climate change. economics. Keeping abreast of these future directions is essential for ensuring the relevance and innovation of the field. The Interconnection of Emotion and Cognition Interplay between social The Role of Emotion in Social The Role of Cognition in Social thought and behavior Behavior Behavior Crucial for understanding social Emotions influence social Cognition is the process of behavior. interactions, judgments, and decision- understanding and interpreting social Involves thoughts, memory, making. situations. intentions, emotions, attitudes, Mood influences requests, social Influenced by personal traits, beliefs. perceptions, empathy, and mirror situational factors, cultural Emotions shape decision-making, neurons. backgrounds, social class, and biases. social interactions, perception, and Emotional responses influenced by Social class shapes self-identity, social dynamics. context and past behavior. influencing thoughts and behaviors. Feedback loop between emotions Growing interest in understanding Cognitive biases can distort and actions influences future emotions' impact on social behaviors. perceptions, leading to interactions. misunderstandings and conflicts. Cultural context influences Cognition aids in social strategy interpretation of social situations and planning and understanding emotion- emotional responses. cognition interplay. Conclusion: The Social Side of Life Provides insights into human behavior and societal dynamics. Offers tools for improving social interactions. Contributes to personal and societal well-being. Thank you for your time and attention