Lesson 24: Introduction to the Science of Social Psychology

Social psychology

Seeks to understand how the presence of others affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Need to belong

We feel a strong need to have friends, families, and spend time together as we are considered “social animals”

Levels of analysis

Where would psychology fit in? Uses all levels, but usually falls into higher levels of analysis. Drawn to study relationships, groups, and culture

Social Influence

Looking at conformity, obedience, and persuasion

Attraction

What features and characteristics you associate with beauty of friendship in your culture or from your experience

Biological factors

People are often attracted to physical appearance, health, symmetry, and signs of fitness or good health.

Psychological factors

Personality, kindness, humor, confidence, and shared interests can increase attraction.

Social factors

We are usually more attracted to people we see often (proximity) and people who are similar to us in beliefs, interests, or background (similarity).

Cultural factors

Different cultures value different traits, beauty standards, and relationship expectations. Personal and cultural values influence what people see as attractive or important in friendships and relationships.

Attitudes

Tendency to respond either positively or negatively toward a person, object, idea, or situation

Stereotyping

Using shortcuts/assumptions to navigate a social situations or judgements

Prejudice

Your feelings about someone based on their group membership

Discrimination

When you show bias/action against someone based on group membership

ABC Model of Attitudes

Affective Component (feelings)- Emotions/how you feel about it

Behaviors Component (actions)- Actions you take in regard to it

Cognitive Component (thoughts)- Way you think about it

Direct contact

You’ve been there, experienced it

Direct instruction

You’ve been taught all about it

Interaction with others

Your friends or family have an attitude on it

Vicarious conditioning

Learn from others’ actions/reactions

Situational Cause

Attribute behaviors to external factors (delay, others’ actions, etc)

Dispositional Cause

Attribute behaviors to internal factors (personality, character)

Fundamental Attribution Error

Tendency to overestimate internal and underestimate situational factors in others

Actor Observer Bias

With ourselves we focus on situational factors (excuses for us)

Culture of honor

A culture where people believe they must protect their reputation, respect, or family honor, sometimes through aggression or retaliation.