Introduction to Social Psychology Flashcards
Chapter 1
is a basic science aimed at understanding human social behavior and the motivations, cognitions and emotions related to such behavior.
Social psychology
These have phases.
DESIGN EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS
What is phase 1?
To understand which behavior causes the given problem.
What is Phase 2?
It is important to examine which factors influence the particular behavior.
Phase 3
Understand which intervention techniques are available to change behavior.
-May be defined as the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations.
Basic Social Psychology
-The systematic application of social psychological constructs, principles, theories, intervention techniques, research methods and research findings to understand or ameliorate social problems.
Applied Social Psychology
Refers to a clearly defined individual (psychological) characteristic that is generally latent and thus not directly observable, although it can be assess through interviews or questionnaires.
Constructs
Statement of how a psychological process works.
Principles
which involves making a small initial request, followed by a larger related request within a short period.
Foot-in-the-door technique
uncomfortable tension that can result from having two conflicting thoughts at the same time, or from engaging in behavior that conflicts with one’s beliefs or attitudes.
Cognitive Dissonance
tendency to judge the likelihood or frequency of an event by the ease with which relevant instances come to mind.
Availability Heuristics
Is an integrated set of principles that describes, explains, and predicts observed events.
Theory
May conduct studies merely out of scientific curiosity about some phenomenon.
Basic Social Psychology
Start with a particular theory and examine to what extent the theory may be helpful in understanding various types of social behavior.
[Deductive Approach]
specifically trying to contribute towards solving social problems.
Applied Social Psychology
Start from a specific social problem, and examine to what extent various theories may help to understand this specific problem.
[Inductive Approach]
True or false? Combining basic and applied work is quite invaluable, since it demonstrates to what extent theories tested in experimental settings are valid in real-life situations as well. Thus, studies may be both theory-oriented and problem-oriented.
False
Depend on empirical tests, that is the use of systematic observations to evaluate propositions and ideas.
SCIENTIFIC METHODS
What are the core set of values?
Accuracy, Objectivity, Skepticism, Open-mindedness
It is important to examine which factors influence the particular behavior.
Accuracy
Minimize bias in obtaining and evaluating data
Objectivity
Accept findings as accurate only to the extent that they have been verified over and over again by the data.
Skepticism
Accept evidence as valid, even if the evidence is not consistent with one’s initial.
Open-mindedness
What are some ethical precepts?
Deception, informed consent, Invasion of privacy, Debriefing
This should be avoided whenever possible.
Deception
This implies that participants should be informed about the aim of the study and the impact of the study that may have on them.
Informed Consent
Personal details should be kept confidential.
Invasion of Privacy
Research participants should be debriefed as soon as possible after the research is completed in order to update them on the research and deal with any misconcecptions.
Debriefing
4 main goals of science
Description, Prediction, Causality, Explanation
Refers to identifying and specifying the details and nature of a phenomenon.
Description
Enhances understanding of phenomena. Requires knowing what factors are systematically related to the phenomenon of interest.
Prediction
Identifying causes of a phenomenon and to find out whether changes in one factor indeed cause changes in the other factor.
Causality
Implies the need to establish why a phenomenon or relationship occurs.
Explanation
Interested in understanding the many factors and conditions that affect the behavior and thoughts of individuals concerning other people.
Causes of Behavior and Cognitions
Interpersonal characteristics and processes. Individual differences may exist.
Individual factors
Effect of opinions and actions of other people on our behavior and thoughts.
Social Factors
Contextual factors that may affect our behavior and thoughts.
Situational Factors
Cultural values that affect our behavior and thoughts.
Cultural Factors
Effect of biological processes and genetic factors on our behavior and thoughts.
Biological Factors
What are the features of applied psychology?
Role of personal values, Interdisciplinary research, Social utility
Should be aware of their personal values, and the way their values may affect their work. In some cases, their values may conflict with values of other groups.
Role of personal values
Not only social science knowledge should be considered, but knowledge from a wide range of other disciplines should be taken into account as well.
Interdisciplinary Research
Increase if scientists focus their efforts on those aspects of a social problem where they are likely to have the most impact in resolving the problems at hand.
Social utility
༄ Should be aware of their personal values, and the way their values may affect their work. In some cases,their values may conflict with values of other groups.
༄ Intervention techniques are more effective to the extent to which they specifically address those factors that contribute substantially to the particular problem behavior, and those factors that can be improved.
༄ Multiple research designs may be followed to study social problems. A priority, no research design is superior to others.
The use of Multiple theories, Intervention Techniques and Research Methods.
More likely to conduct research in field settings, that is, in natural settings where people live, work or recreate.
Field Setting
Interested in contributing towards solving social problems.
❀ First, by studying the antecedents of behavior that causes social problems
❀ Second, they may evaluate the effects of interventions on cognitions and behavior.
❀ Third, applied social psychologists can evaluate effects of interventions on social problems and individual quality of life.
Researcher
Assist individuals, groups, organizations or communities to resolve particular problems they are facing.
Consultant
They can advise policy makers on ways to change cognitions and behavior in order to improve or solve social problems of different kinds.
Policy Advisor
