Social Psychology

Social psychology

scientific study of how individuals think, feel and behave in social situations

Social influence

the effects of the presence of actions, either real or imagined, on the way people think, feel, or behave

Social behaviour

any action performed by individuals within the same species that affects or is influenced by the behaviour of others (includes prosocial and antisocial behaviour)

2 types of social interactions

prosocial and antisocial

Prosocial behaviour

any behaviour intended to be constructive/beneficial to another person, group or society, does not include helping someone without intending to

Altruism

when someone acts in a selfless way in order to benefit others, without seeking personal gain or reward

Antisocial behaviour

actions that violate the rights or harms other, includes serious crimes or more subtle behaviours

4 categories of social interactions

one on one, one on many, many on one, many on many

Reciprocity principle

suggests individuals are likely to return positive action/favour with another positive action, key element of persuasion

Conformity

type of social influence involving a change in belief or behaviour to fit in with a group, change is in response to real/imagined group pressure

Factors affecting conformity

group size, presence of ally, awareness of social norms and group cohesiveness

Group size

conformity increases as group size increases up to 4, beyond that group size has little effect

Reason for group size having little affect on conformity

people start to believe that others are mindlessly doing as others do and don't feel the need to conform

Presence of ally

ally who shares ones views, or at least does not accept the views of majority, can be seen as providing social support that strengthens resistance to conform

Social norms

socially based rules that prescribe what people should/shouldn’t do in certain situations

Group cohesiveness

feeling of unity within group that influences individuals members to remain in group

Obedience to authority

the act of following explicit instructions or orders from an authority figure

Obedience

occurs when we follow the commands of someone with authority, or the rules or laws of our society

Compliance

involves changing one's behaviour in response to a request to do so, does not require an authority figure

Three steps in helping behaviour

noticing situation, interpreting situation, taking responsibility

Bystander effect

tendency for individuals to be less likely to help a person in need when others are present

Diffusion of responsibility

belief that in a situation where help is required and others are present, they will or should take responsibility for helping

Factors influencing aggression

biological (nature) and social factors

Instinct theory

biological factor meaning the behaviour an organism is born with, rather than learned

Genetic influences

biological factor meaning the inheritance of aggression through genes

The brain

cerebral cortex - hypothalamus - amygdala monitors

Hormonal

hormones are released which triggers activity (adrenalin and cortisol)

Frustration

feeling of tension/anxiety/heightened arousal that results when prevented from achieving something we intended

Deindividuation

when in a large crowd, people often have anonymity and may shed responsibility for their behaviour

Anonymity

state where an individual's identity or contribution cannot be easily identified by others

Awareness of social norms

individuals tend to align their behavior with what they perceive as the norm in a group or society, driven by desire for social acceptance and avoidance of rejection