Study Notes on Social Psychology

Overview of Social Psychology

Definition: Study of how thoughts, feelings, behaviors of individuals are influenced by others' presence (actual, imagined, or implied).
Historical context: Discipline is about 150 years old with significant growth in the last 75 years, shaped by events such as WWII.

Social Influence: Examines how presence (real or imagined) affects individual behavior:
- Actual presence can alter personal opinions.
- Imagined presence can reduce anxiety in stressful situations.
- Implied presence affects feelings and behaviors indirectly.
Self-fulfilling Prophecy: Expectations about individuals/groups lead to behaviors that confirm those expectations, reinforcing the original belief.

Psychological Social Psychology: Focus on individuals, responses to social stimuli shaped by personality.
Sociological Social Psychology: Emphasizes societal factors, roles, and norms over individual differences.

Founders and Milestones:
- Wilhelm Wundt: Early influence; linked psychology with social aspects.
- Norman Triplett: Conducted the first experiment in 1895.
- Gordon Allport: Emphasized that social behavior is shaped by personal experiences and social contexts.
- Theodor Adorno: Studied the relationship between personality and obedience.
Modern Developments: Crises from the 1970s led to inclusive theories addressing biases in research.

The Self: Central concept shaped by social interactions, influences behavior directly.
- Self-serving Bias: Individuals tend to credit success to themselves and blame external factors for failures.
Automatic vs. Deliberate Thinking: Social cognition involves both intuitive and analytical thought processes.
- Explicit vs. Implicit Cognition: Explicit being conscious decisions, while implicit operates automatically.

Cultural Perspectives:
- Individualism: Prioritization of personal goals and autonomy.
- Collectivism: Emphasis on group goals and social interdependence.

Basic Principles: Explains behaviors as adaptations shaped by natural selection and evolutionary processes.

Social Neuroscience: Investigates how brain processes influence social interactions.
- Key Brain Areas: Anterior cingulate cortex involved in self-awareness and social cognition.

Focus: Studies enhancing human experience and societal interactions leading to happiness and functioning.