Social Psychology Revision: Motivation, Attribution, Happiness, Elm, and Attitudes
Revision Questions – Social Psychology (PAUL) Mon 20th May
BASICS
1. What is the definition of social psychology?
Allport (1954) – “the scientific investigation of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by others”
2. What is the main issue surrounding the measurement of behaviour?
Behaviours can be observed and measured however the feelings, thoughts, beliefs, intentions, goals and motivations that go behind the behaviours are not observable making measuring and finding true intent difficult.
3. What are the basic influences that impact upon us in social psychology?
We are impacted by people around us, our culture, evolution, social issues and our own personal morals/beliefs.
4. What are the 4 Levels of Explanation?
Intrapersonal = individuals experience of the social environment
E.G. Cognitive Balance Theory
Motivational theory of attitude change (Heider, 1958). Attitudes need to be consistent and balanced. E.g. if you like a celebrity and they endorse a product – balance – you also like the product. Weigh up all the potential results and the one that requires the least amount of effort is usually chosen.
Interpersonal = individuals interacting with others in a dynamic relationship
E.G. Attribution Theory
Using outside information to judge cause from an outcome.
Positional = individuals interactions in specific circumstances but with the role of a social position
Ideological = individuals interactions that take into account general norms/beliefs and the relationships between groups (e.g. minority influence, prejudice, discrimination etc.)
5. Give a brief history of social psychology:
Began in the 19th Century mainly through the 1940’s when psychological warfare had a big impact. Propaganda was found to hugely influence the morale of troops and this led to attitude change.
1950’s – 1960’s were the BOOM YEARS where a lot of new theories (field, dissonance, balance, attitude theory
BASICS
1. What is the definition of social psychology?
Allport (1954) – “the scientific investigation of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by others”
2. What is the main issue surrounding the measurement of behaviour?
Behaviours can be observed and measured however the feelings, thoughts, beliefs, intentions, goals and motivations that go behind the behaviours are not observable making measuring and finding true intent difficult.
3. What are the basic influences that impact upon us in social psychology?
We are impacted by people around us, our culture, evolution, social issues and our own personal morals/beliefs.
4. What are the 4 Levels of Explanation?
Intrapersonal = individuals experience of the social environment
E.G. Cognitive Balance Theory
Motivational theory of attitude change (Heider, 1958). Attitudes need to be consistent and balanced. E.g. if you like a celebrity and they endorse a product – balance – you also like the product. Weigh up all the potential results and the one that requires the least amount of effort is usually chosen.
Interpersonal = individuals interacting with others in a dynamic relationship
E.G. Attribution Theory
Using outside information to judge cause from an outcome.
Positional = individuals interactions in specific circumstances but with the role of a social position
Ideological = individuals interactions that take into account general norms/beliefs and the relationships between groups (e.g. minority influence, prejudice, discrimination etc.)
5. Give a brief history of social psychology:
Began in the 19th Century mainly through the 1940’s when psychological warfare had a big impact. Propaganda was found to hugely influence the morale of troops and this led to attitude change.
1950’s – 1960’s were the BOOM YEARS where a lot of new theories (field, dissonance, balance, attitude theory