Social Psychology Definitions and Concepts

These flashcards summarize key definitions and concepts in social psychology, focusing on its theories and characteristics.

Social Psychology

The study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.

Holand's Definition

The psychological study of the individual in society, focusing on social influence processes.

Goldstein's Definition

The scientific study of how individual behavior affects other individuals and is affected by their behavior.

Albort's Definition

The science that attempts to understand and explain how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by the presence of others.

Young's Definition

The study of individuals in their mutual environmental connections, focusing on how these connections impact individual thoughts, feelings, habits, and emotions.

Baron & Byrone's Definition

The scientific study aimed at understanding human behavior and motives in social interaction.

Sherif & Sherif's Definition

The scientific study of individuals' experiences and behaviors in relation to social situations or stimuli.

Abdallah & Khalifa's Definition

The scientific study of human behavior in social interaction situations.

Main Characteristics of Social Psychology

It is based on scientific research, studies social behavior of humans, and examines behavior under social interaction influences.

Goals of Social Psychology

To achieve understanding, prediction, and control of social behavior.

Understanding (Explanation)

The ability to logically explain the relationships among variables or aspects of social behavior.

Prediction (Prediction)

The ability to use scientific understanding to forecast future social behaviors.

Control (Control)

The attempt to manipulate a variable or phenomenon to know its effect on another variable.

Social Perception Theory

A field of social psychology that focuses on understanding the motives behind others' social behavior.

Attribution Theory

A theory that attempts to explain individuals' motives by considering both internal and external factors.

Social Learning Theory

A theory that emphasizes observing and modeling behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

The theory that suggests emotional discomfort arises when holding contradictory beliefs or ideas.

Field Theory

Kurt Lewin's theory that emphasizes the psychological field surrounding an individual that influences their behavior.