Intro to Social Psych

Question 1

Define Social Psychology

Answer 1

The study of individuals (thoughts, feelings, actions, etc.) in environments. The approach is often empirical and experimental.

Question 2

What was possibly the first psychological study and what did it do?

Answer 2

Triplett in 1900 saw that cyclists went faster in the presence of others, so he designed an experiment to test it.

Question 3

What were the first psych textbooks?

Answer 3

McDougall in 1908, Ross in 1908, and Allport in 1924 (this one is probably the most relevant to social psych)

Question 4

Who was Max Ringelmann?

Answer 4

The first social psychology researcher, who reasoned that simple tasks are harder to complete as a group.

Question 5

Who was Stanley Milgram?

Answer 5

He demonstrated individuals’ vulnerability to the destructive commands of authority. This is the most well-known social psych study.