Intro Flashcards
3 fundamental features of a science
-Systematic empiricism
- empirical questions
- public knowledge
Steps of the scientific method
- identification of a problem
- formulation of a hypothesis
- gathering data
- interpretation and analysis of data
- generalizations of conclusions
Social psychology
Seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations
Allport definition: understand and explain how thoughts, feelings and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others
Applied social psychology
Systematic application of social psychological constructs, principles, and theories to understand and fix social issues
Construct
Clearly defined individual characteristics that is generally latent and thus not directly observable although it can be assessed through interviews or questionnaires. Example include attitudes, values, social norms
Principle
How a psychological process works, describes the basic process by which humans think, feel and act ex, cognitive dissonance
Theory
Integrated set of principles that describe, explain and predict observed events. They explain observations and can be challenged or refuted.
Basic social psychological
-Developing and testing theories
- may conduct studies out of scientific curiosity
- deductive approach
Applied social psychology
-solve and understand problems
- motivated by solving social issues
- inductive approach
Core values of science
-accuracy: precise and error free data and analysis
- objectivity:
- skepticism
- open mindedness
6 features of applied social psychology
Problem oriented: identify a problem to solve
Social utility: useful in achieving social goals
Social situations: attention to the social context of a problem
Broad comprehensive approach: may require multidisciplinary approach
Field settings: natural settings without controlling for variables which affect behavior
Practical considerations: interventions should be realistic
