...SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY DEFINITION PAPER Social Psychology Definition Paper PSY 400 March 25, 2012 For this paper, the definition of social psychology will be assessed, as well as how social psychology is researched. Also discussed will be how social psychology is different from other disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology, and general psychology. What is Social Psychology? Social psychology is the scientific study of social thinking, social influence, and social relations (Meyer, 2010). . Social influence is the effect that words, actions, or the presence of other people, have on our thoughts, feelings, attitude, or behavior. In other words, social psychology is the way in which individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people, whether they are real people, or imagined in ones thoughts. At the heart of social psychology is a phenomenon of social influence. Every single person is influenced by other people. Sometimes we are influenced by persuasion, where another person deliberately tries to change another individual and their way of thinking and behavior (Meyer, 2010). Social influence is happening now on television and across America with the presidential candidates all trying to persuade the people of America to vote for them, or the commercial on crest toothpaste, using creative techniques to persuade people to buy this particular brand. Another example of social influence is seen in schools a lot. One being direct attempts from...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...PSY/400 | Social Psychology Definition Paper | Julee Poole | | Jamie Uber | 7/29/2013 | In this paper I want to explain what the meaning of social psychology is and how social psychology differs from other fields, such as clinical psychology, general psychology, and sociology. Also I will explain the methods used to research social psychology. | Social psychology is the branch of psychology that deals with social interactions, including their origins and their effects on the individual. Social psychology looks at all different types of social interactions, including group behavior, social perception, leadership, nonverbal behavior, conformity, aggression, and prejudice. One thing to know about social psychology is that it does not just deal with social influences, but they are vital to understand it. Social psychology has been around since the 1800’s, but wasn’t really used until the horrors of the Holocaust; it led researchers to study more on the effects of social influence, obedience, and conformity. Also the government wanted to use social psychology to influence the citizens; it has grown since then and more and more are interested in understanding social experiences and behaviors. Social psychology differs from sociology because it deals with social behavior of an individual and uses more experimentation, when compared with personality psychology; it tends to focus less on an individual and more on how they affect one another. Social psychology tends to...
Words: 753 - Pages: 4
...Running head: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY DEFINITION PAPER Social Psychology Definition Paper PSY 400 October 24, 2011 Matt Diggs Social Psychology Very often, one wonders why one acts the way he or she does. It just seems to be human nature to ask such questions and to try to discover more about the complexity of human actions and causes. Of course, there are many perspectives in the field of psychology that attempt to address these significant questions. For instance, biopsychology considers important factors including one’s brain, genetic predisposition, and many others when addressing behavior. However, social psychology, even though it agrees with other branches in psychology, does focus on different aspects when seeking these kinds of conclusions. Social psychology centers their attention on understanding human actions such as what led to the cruelty of killing millions of people during War II. Why will one always help him or herself first, before helping others? Why do others matter more when making decisions? Social psychology is essential not only to the field of psychology but also to every individual because it provides answers to questions one seeks about him or herself and others. However, social psychology does more than provide answers to these few questions, as these merely touch the surface of social psychology’s focus (Myers, 2010). Definition of Social Psychology Social psychology is a science just like many other fields including astronomy...
Words: 1790 - Pages: 8
...Social Psychology Definition Paper Social psychology is fairly new, and an important aspect of human psychology. This paper will define social psychology and how it differs from other disciplines, such as clinical psychology, general psychology, and sociology. This paper will also describe the types of research in social psychology. Researching these elements will be informative and exciting. When we, as human beings, do something to influence a situation, there are probably some motives behind our influences. Some influences happen as a matter of resonance bouncing off other planned influences. Other influence may be unintentional. For example, if a child were to be talked down to and verbally abused for a period of time this may influence self-esteem. If a child were to be encouraged and praised for their efforts throughout their childhood that may also influence self-esteem in a different way. At times, we may relate to some people better than others because of past social influences we have experienced with others in those environments. For example, if a woman were to meet someone and that person looked like, and reminded her of a rapist, that may influence the way she looks at that person. All of this brings us within the realms of social psychology. “Social psychology is a science that studies the influences of our situations, with special attention to how we view and affect one another. More precisely, it is the scientific studies of how people think about, influence...
Words: 927 - Pages: 4
...Social Psychology Definition Social Psychology is the study of how individuals think, influence, and relate to other individuals. In social psychology the focus is more on the individuals and use of experimentation. The boundary of social psychology is based through asking questions and dealing with how people see and affect each other. Social psychology also covers topics such as attitudes, beliefs, conformity, and independence. In society, humans have the natural urge to explain behavior, attributing it to a cause, to make it seem predictable and controllable. Social influences play a role in shaping the behavior of individuals. As individuals, the response to social interactions are immediate, which can contribute to individuals responding to expressed attitudes (Myers, 2010). For example, in a catastrophe such as tornados in Missouri, individuals pull together and donate to help those in need. Whether it be through donation of items or through the physical aspect of volunteering to help clean up or rebuild. As humans inner attitudes affect behavior. This making individuals vulnerable to peer pressure and attitudes, which influence individual’s political views are some examples (Myers, 2010). As individuals attitudes play a role in how each individual behaves. Social psychology has principles that are used to guide thinking and behavior, which play a vital role in everyday life. First one must understand what clinical psychology, general psychology, and sociology are...
Words: 569 - Pages: 3
...Social Psychology Definition Madaline Goldstein PSY. 400 July 15, 2013 Julee S. Poole, Ph. D Social Psychology Definition Psychology in general involves a complex view of one’s mind and mental processes (Myers, 2010). Social Psychology is the scientific field of psychology, which focuses on how people individually think, feel, and relate to one another. Compared to other disciplines in relation to psychology, social psychology has its own uniqueness in relation to others such as sociology, personality psychology, biological psychology, and clinical psychology (Myers, 2010). Social Psychology Verses Sociology. Many confuse sociology with social psychology as a result of the common misconception that social psychology is the study of social groups (Greenwood, 2013). Some may assume that sociology is a sub-study of psychology regarding how individuals deal with various social settings. In actuality, while sociology is the study as a whole in a group, social psychology focuses on each individual in a group setting. Sociology puts an emphasis on the origins of a social society, the developments of that society, the organizations developed within the society, and the institutions founded by the society (Greenwood, 2013). Sociology, does of course, resemble much of the focal point of social psychology. Social Psychology Verses Personality Psychology. Personality psychology and social psychology are more similar than contradictive (Cherry, 2013). Social psychology involves...
Words: 1014 - Pages: 5
...Psy/400 Social Psychology Social Psychology Definition Lauren Davis Marinela Dushmani November 2, 2015 Introduction The things the author will discuss and cover in this paper are; the definition of social psychology, a brief history background of social psychology. The way social psychology differs from clinical psychology, general psychology, and sociology. Also the role of research in social psychology will be discussed. Define Social Psychology Social Psychology is a discipline that uses scientific method “to understand and explain ones thoughts, feelings, and behavior that are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of other human being” (Gordon Allport, 1985). The year social facilitation was introduced was 1800’s. After WW2 was when the research of social psychology began. The holocaust was what led the researchers to study the effects of social influence, conformity, and obedience. The US Government was interested to apply social psychology concepts to influence citizens. The Differences The way social psychology differs from Clinical Psychology, General Psychology, and Sociology are; Clinical Psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Some of these disorders are learning disabilities, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. General Psychology is a term that refers to the entire science of psychology. Psychology is the study of mind and behavior...
Words: 566 - Pages: 3
...Social Psychology Definition Paper Elisa Castaneda PSY/400 May 21, 2014 Dr. Matthew Hicks Social Psychology Definition Paper Social Psychology gives an understanding to the behavior of people. It can help to understand how we tend to feed off one another when we are in a social environment whether it is in school, work, or with friends. As people seem to find common interests with others that shape and influence behaviors, but it is up to the individual in how he or she interpret the information. This essay discusses the meaning of Social Psychology, Social Psychology compares to other fields of psychology as well as the role of research in Social Psychology. Definition of Social Psychology Social Psychology can be defined as the types of situations that people set themselves in and the way that we as individuals can affect one another. It also can be defined as the decisions and choices we choose to make stemming from how we see ourselves as well as those around us to our own self judgment. Our cultural background and the beliefs and traditions that were instilled in us as children as well as the way individuals compose themselves when they are around friends, family or strangers. It is what makes people strive for the opportunity to fit in or make a difference in someone's life (Myers, 2010). Discussion of how Social Psychology differs from other disciplines such as Clinical Psychology, General Psychology, and Sociology. Social Psychology...
Words: 875 - Pages: 4
...Social Psychology Definition Paper Douglas Cooper PSY/400 April 4, 2016 Ami Taharka Social Psychology Definition Paper How do people think about, influence, and relate to each other? These are just some of the questions that social psychologists are looking to answer. This paper will further define social psychology’s goals to elicit a richer understanding of the field. It will discuss how social psychology differs from other disciplines, such as clinical psychology, general psychology, and sociology and why those differences are important. Finally, it will examine research methods and strategies that social psychologist utilize to answer questions. Social Psychology Defined According to our text, social psychology “is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another” (Myers, 2010, pg. 4). It is a relatively young science, that some may confuse with sociology. Whereas sociology focuses on group dynamics, social psychology focuses more on how individuals interact with each other. At the heart of social psychology are three different constructs. These are: social thinking (what we perceive about ourselves and other, what we believe, the judgements we make, and our attitudes), social influence (culture, conformity pressures, persuasion), and social relations (prejudice, aggression, attraction and intimacy, and helping). There are several concepts that contribute to these constructs. Some of these include the following. First is that...
Words: 846 - Pages: 4
...Social Psychology Definition Paper PSY/400 October 28, 2013 Social Psychology Definition Paper Social Psychology is the branch of psychology that would deal within the social interactions. This has to deal with where it came from (the origin) and how it affected or the effects on an individual. Many different social topics are covered in social psychology like group behavior, social perception, non-verbal behavior, leadership, aggression, conformity and prejudice. It is used to explain and understand how a thought, feeling or behavior of a person is influenced by actual other human beings. Research has been done to determine what is the best way to find out how others influence the decisions that are made in everyday life (Myers, D. G. 2010). Define Social Psychology Understanding social psychology can be a bit difficult. It looks at the behavior of humans that is influenced by others and what social context to which will occur. Social psychology is the scientific field that searches to understand the nature and the causes in an individual’s behavior during social situations. The behavior of humans is formed by different influences. Some can be internal as well as some external. Humans are all social animals so our tendencies through our culture can define our circumstances. The personality and attitude plays a big part in forming behavior but it can also offset and reinforce social pressures. There are some main ideas in which social psychology inquire about to address...
Words: 741 - Pages: 3
...Social Psychology Definition Lynett DeWolf PSY/400 Social Psychology Leslie Binnix April 17, 2013 Introduction There are many different fields of psychology. This paper will review the definition of social psychology and that the main focus is an individual within a group or other social setting. This paper will also review the differences between social psychology, clinical psychology, general psychology and sociology psychology as well as the importance of research within the social psychology field. Social Psychology Social psychology is the study of human behavior in a social setting. Thought, feeling and behaviors are studied and how a person in either influenced or how they influence social settings. Social psychology studies how the thoughts, feelings and behaviors are influenced by the actual presence of others, imagined presence of others and or the implied presence of others (Allport, 1935). There are three parts to social psychology, one part being how people think about themselves, other people, personal beliefs, judgments and attitudes. The second part is the culture where a person lives, political and professional groups a person belongs to, religious group, family and friends is what creates the social influence for a person (Myers, 2010). The third part is how people relate to each other when it comes to intimacy, attraction, aggression and social prejudice (Myers, 2010). How social psychology differs from other disciplines The difference between social psychology...
Words: 787 - Pages: 4
...Towards a Definition of Socio-Economic Research for the RESPECT Project A draft working paper by Ursula Huws, RESPECT Project Director Introduction The term ‘socio-economic research’ is in widespread use in the European Commission’s work programmes and elsewhere. In the Fourth Framework Programme, for instance, there was a programme entitled ‘Targeted Socio-Economic Research’ (TSER) and in the Fifth Framework Programme there were numerous calls for proposals to carry out socio-economic research related to Information Society Technologies (in the IST Programme) and to other issues of relevance to EU policy. At national level, there are also economic and social research funding councils in most European Countries. However, nowhere in this documentation, as far as I can tell, is any definition offered of ‘socio-economic research’. For the purposes of the RESPECT project, however, it is necessary to have some sort of functional definition. This short discussion paper is designed as the first step towards the development of such a definition. As the project develops, this definition will be tested in relation to the actual practices of socio-economic researchers, whose activities, qualifications and professional affiliations will be profiled as part of the project’s work. In the meantime, a brief survey of projects described as socioeconomic research projects indicates that they cover a very broad range in relation to the backgrounds and qualifications of...
Words: 2527 - Pages: 11
...Social Psychology Paper Kimbaly Franzer PSY 555 June 21, 2015 David King Social Psychology Paper Social psychology is the given information of how individuals interact, learn, and develop his or her personality that is based upon their relationships that are developed over time. Social psychology is all about the way individual’s interaction within the world. Individuals get a better understanding he or she interacts with others and different situations that are based upon the actions of individuals and environment around them. Within the context of this paper, it will define social psychology; examine the conceptual foundations of social psychology and last analyzing the four characteristics of social psychology. The paper will also define what situationism and the role it plays within social psychology by explaining the five core social motives and explain how each effect social psychology. Social Psychology Defined Myer (2008) believed that social psychology is the study scientific on the effects of social and the process the way individuals influence and how individuals can relate to others. Individuals are able to influence each other by the way he or she acts, behaves, talks, and walks, which can influence an individual by affecting career choices and the way he or she talks. Bandura said it best: “Parents have an influence on his or her child’s behavior” (Bandura (1986). Individuals are shaped by their environment, individuals around them, and other events...
Words: 1064 - Pages: 5
...Introduction to Personality Paper University of Phoenix Psy 405 Introduction to Personality Paper Personality is unique to each individual. Every individual has their own traits and characteristics that make up who they are. Personality comes from the Latin persona, which refers to a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors in Greek dramas (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 3). These Romans wore the mask or persona to project a false appearance. Of course, personality psychologists do not accept this definition. When psychologists talk about personality they refer to something different than role play. There is no definite definition for personality, but different theorists say that personality is a pattern of permanent traits and exclusive characteristics that give stability and individuality to a person’s behavior. Traits provide individual differences in behavior, consistency of behavior over time, and stability of behavior beyond situations. A person has unique qualities called characteristics that involve intelligence, temperament, and physical appearance (Feist & Feist, 2009). Altogether, the definition of personality implies, “…a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics that give both consistency and individuality to a person’s behavior” (Feist & Feist, 2009, p. 4). An ample explanation of the psychological understanding of personality is coming in the development of the theoretical approaches in the study of personality. There...
Words: 1213 - Pages: 5
...Ethical Standards and Codes Jamaica R. Webster Survey of Professional Psychology/PSYCH 545 March 21, 2010 Dr. Mary Helen McGreevy, Psy.D Abstract This paper will prepare an explanation of ethical standards and codes. Ethics is a word that can be described or defined with a variety of meanings. This paper will analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes. This paper will also evaluate the impact of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) ethical standards and codes on professional practice in the field of psychology. This paper will also explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in the field of psychology. Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical standards and codes were set up by the APA. This code of ethics is a policy for all psychologists or other medical health professionals to follow the rules or law. In the field of psychology or other medical professional field, our paper will define ethical standards and codes, analyze the impact of societal norms on the development of ethical standards and codes, evaluate the impact of the APA ethical standards and codes on professional practice in psychology, and explain the importance of professional ethical standards and codes in psychology. Definition of Ethical Standards and Codes Ethical Standard are principles, which when followed, promote values such as trust, good behavior, fairness, and/or kindness. There is not one consistent set of standards...
Words: 1781 - Pages: 8
