Social Psychology- Chapter 1

The scientific study of (1) how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others, and (2) how we interact with others.

S.P. focuses on situational variables that affect how we behave.

Group Behavior, leadership, self-perception, social perception, non-verbal behavior, comformity, obedience, compliance, and rationalization.

Many times the social component is obvious (i.e. boss yelling at you), however, sometimes the other person is affecting you without being physically there (i.e. prepping for a first date).

-To understand ourselves better -To understand others better

-Increases empathy overall

Often times, scientific research involves controlling for variables and manipulating it to avoid unknowns, social research is observational and has little conttrol over outside variables.

-Theory
-Hypothesis

A scientist's explanation of an event or outcome occurs.

A theory explains why an event occurs while a hypothesisis a specific prediction of what should occur if the theory is valid.

Defining variable that are abstract or that cannot be observed directly (i.e. aggression, rage, self-esteem, etc.)

Defining variables that can be directly observed and manipulated (i.e. number of hours of sleep)

Measures if an association exists between two or more concepts.

-Ranges from -1 to 1
-Closer to |1|, the stronger the relationship
-Sign tells direction of relationship (positive/ negative)

-Does not prove causation
-Third variable?

-Self-report measure
-Easy to administer
-Willingness to report
-Wording of questions
-Socially desirable responses