SOCIAL assumption

Question 1

Assumption

Answer 1

All behaviour occurs in a social context, even if we are alone

All behaviour is affected by other people and the society we have created. It is about how people communicate with each other, how they interact and how they behave in groups

Question 2

Strengths

Answer 2

Controlled research can be conducted using scientific methodology

The approach has demonstrated the strong effect of social influences on peoples behaviour

Explained many phenomena and extreme human behaviours ie why Nazis obeyed Hitler

Wide applications

Question 3

Weaknesses

Answer 3

Reductionism. Fails to acknowledge the role of individual differences within social setting

Been argued that some research has been unethical

High control can reduce ecological validity

Research can be ethnocentric

Ignores individual differences