Introduction ● Compliance - agreeing to something you
Social Psychology do not want to do.
○ Influenced by an individual making
a request.
Definition ● Obedience - following orders
● Social psychology is the scientific study ○ Influenced by a higher authority.
of how people's thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors are influenced by the actual,
imagined, or implied presence of others Social Psych’s Big Reality:
“We Construct our Social Reality”
Difference between Social Psychology and
Sociology: Social Thinking:
● We construct our own social reality
Social Sociology ● Our social intuitions are powerful,
Psychology
sometimes perilous (dangerous)
Studies Studies groups and ● Attitudes shape are shaped by behavior
individuals in societies; how
social situations people in general Social Influences:
(using think and influence ● Social influences shape behavior
experiments); one another. ● Dispositions shape behavior
influences of our
situations with
special attention to Social Relations:
how we view and ● Social behavior is also biological behavior
affect one another. ● Feelings and actions toward people are
sometimes negative
(prejudiced/aggressive), sometimes
Social Thinking, Social Influence, Social
positive (helpful, loving)
Relations
Applying to Social Psychology:
● Social Thinking - how we perceive ● Social psych’s principles are applicable to
ourselves, how we interpret the actions of everyday life.
others, what we believe in, judgement that
we make, our attitudes. Hazel Markus (2005) Social Psychologist:
● Social Influence - Culture, pressure to “People are, above all, malleable.” —We adapt
conform, persuasion, groups & people
to our social context. Our attitudes and behavior
● Social Relations - Prejudice, aggression,
are shaped by external social forces.
attraction & intimacy, helping.
Personal Attitudes and Dispositions Also
Shape Behavior
● Conformity - change in behavior to fit in
○ Influenced by group (peers, society) ● Our actions are not shaped by external
forces alone.
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
1
, ● Personal attitudes and personality traits ● Building relationships and influencing
strongly shape behavior. others
● Our beliefs influence actions such as ● Promoting peace and cooperation
voting, resisting peer pressure, or helping
others. Applications of social psychology include:
● People may also respond differently to the ● Health and well-being,
same situation depending on their ● Environmental sustainability
disposition. ● Judicial settings
● For Example: One may seek revenge,
while another chooses forgiveness.
● ↑ Both attitudes and personality are key
Limits Strength Goal
factors in behavior.
Psychology Provides tools Learn to
Social Behavior is Biologically Rooted does not to ask and “think
answer life’s answer smarter”
ultimate important
Our inherited human nature predisposes questions questions
us to behave in ways that helped our ancestors (meaning, about beliefs,
survive and reproduce. purpose, attitudes and
We are social creatures, sensitive and destiny) relationships.
responsive to our social context.
The mind and body are one grand system; How do Human Values Influence Social
● Stress affects our feelings and actions Psychology?
● Testosterone decreases Trust ↓↑ Oxytocin
increases Trust
Social psychology is a method for
● Social Support strengthens the immune
answering questions with evidence, not just
system; Social Ostracism elevates blood
opinions.
pressure.
But since psychologists are humans, their
values can influence their work, both obvious and
We are bio-psycho-social organisms.
subtle.
Obvious Ways Values Enter Psychology
Social Psychology’s Principles in Everyday
Life Choice of Research Topics reflect social
history and current issues:
Social Psychology helps us see the subtle
● 1940s: Prejudice (due to fascism, WWII)
influences shaping our thoughts and actions:
● 1950s: Conformity (uniformity, intolerance
of differences)
Offers insights into:
● 1960s: Aggression (riots, crime)
● Understanding ourselves better
● 1970s: Gender & Sexism (feminist
movement)
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
2
, ● 1980s: Arms race & Psychology of war
● 1990s-2000s: Diversity (culture, race, Shared cultural assumptions = social
sexual orientation) representations (Moscovici).
● Future: Immigration, income inequality,
ageing (Fiske, 2011) 1980s critiques:
Cultural Differences ● Feminists: exposed bias (e.g., biological
explanations of gender differences).
Europe U.S Asia
● Marxists: exposed bias towards
Focus on Focus on More on individualism/competition (e.g., conformity
Social identity individuals collectivism seen as “bad,” rewards as “good”).
Disciplinary Attraction:
Even critics (feminists, Marxists, progressives) bring
● Different fields attract different their own values → risk of bias against conservatives.
personalities (humanities, social sciences,
social sciences) Our behaviour is shaped not just by the
● Social psychology often attracts people situation, but by how we construe the situation.
open to change, future-focused,
liberal-minded.
Psychological Concepts Contain Hidden
As a Research Topic itself: Values
● Psychologists study how values form, why
they change, how they influence attitudes Psychologists’ theories and judgments
and actions. often reflect their own values.
● BUT Social Psychology doesn’t decide
which values are “right” or “wrong”. Defining the Good Life:
Maslow’s idea of “self-actualization” reflected his
own chosen heroes (Jefferson, Lincoln,
Roosevelt).
Not So Obvious Ways Values Enter Psychology
Different “heroes” → different concepts of
The Subjective Aspects of Science self-actualization.
● Science is not purely objective →
scientists interpret nature through mental
categories. Professional Advice:
● Data (numbers) don’t “speak for
themselves” → they need interpretation. ● Advice reflects psychologists’
● Human minds perception: cultural/personal values
○ Ex. seeing a moving light as a UFO ● Western advice: individualistic (“do what
on expectations feels best for me”).
○ Another ex: we ignore our nose in ● Non-Western advice: collectivistic (“do
vision unless we focus on it. what benefits us”).
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
3
, ● Psychologists cannot answer ultimate Values subtly shape psychology through
moral/meaning-of-life questions. interpretations, cultural assumptions, advice,
concepts, and labels.
Forming Concepts: Science can’t escape subjectivity, but
diverse perspectives and systematic methods help
● Labels = value-laden. reduce bias.
● Ex: Same traits could be called “high
self-esteem” OR “defensiveness,” I Knew It All Along:
depending on perspective. Is Social Psychology Simply Common Sense?
Common Sense vs. Social Psychology:
Labeling Examples:
● Social psychology may feel like common
1. Quiet child: “bashful” vs “cautious.”
sense because we constantly observe
2. Guerrilla fighter: “terrorist” vs “freedom fighter.”
social behavior.
3. Civilian deaths: “innocent lives lost” vs
“collateral damage.”
Criticisms:
4. Information: “propaganda” vs “education.”
5. Aid: “welfare” vs “aid to the needy.” Trivial Dangerous
6. National pride: “their nationalism” vs “our
Only proves what we Findings could
patriotism.”
already know manipulate anyone
7. Affair: “open marriage” vs “adultery.”
8. Influence: “brainwashing” vs “persuasion.”
9. Sexual behaviour: “perversion” vs “preference.” The “Trivial” Criticism:
Ex. (WWII Soldier studies by Lazarsfeld, 1949):
Values are hidden in: ● Common-sense “explanations” of findings
often sound obvious, but the actual results
● Definitions of mental health were the opposite.
● Professional advice ● What feels like common sense is often
● Psychological concepts hindsight bias.
● Labels and language
This doesn’t mean science is invalid. Instead: Hindsight Bias
(“I-Knew-It-All-Along”
● Recognising subjectivity is why we need
Phenomenon)
diverse perspectives.
● Systematic research & experiments help
check biases and “clean the lens” of Definition:
perception.
The tendency to exaggerate, after learning an
outcome; One’s ability to have “foreseen” how
something turned out.
Over 800 studies confirm its reliability;
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
4
Social Psychology do not want to do.
○ Influenced by an individual making
a request.
Definition ● Obedience - following orders
● Social psychology is the scientific study ○ Influenced by a higher authority.
of how people's thoughts, feelings, and
behaviors are influenced by the actual,
imagined, or implied presence of others Social Psych’s Big Reality:
“We Construct our Social Reality”
Difference between Social Psychology and
Sociology: Social Thinking:
● We construct our own social reality
Social Sociology ● Our social intuitions are powerful,
Psychology
sometimes perilous (dangerous)
Studies Studies groups and ● Attitudes shape are shaped by behavior
individuals in societies; how
social situations people in general Social Influences:
(using think and influence ● Social influences shape behavior
experiments); one another. ● Dispositions shape behavior
influences of our
situations with
special attention to Social Relations:
how we view and ● Social behavior is also biological behavior
affect one another. ● Feelings and actions toward people are
sometimes negative
(prejudiced/aggressive), sometimes
Social Thinking, Social Influence, Social
positive (helpful, loving)
Relations
Applying to Social Psychology:
● Social Thinking - how we perceive ● Social psych’s principles are applicable to
ourselves, how we interpret the actions of everyday life.
others, what we believe in, judgement that
we make, our attitudes. Hazel Markus (2005) Social Psychologist:
● Social Influence - Culture, pressure to “People are, above all, malleable.” —We adapt
conform, persuasion, groups & people
to our social context. Our attitudes and behavior
● Social Relations - Prejudice, aggression,
are shaped by external social forces.
attraction & intimacy, helping.
Personal Attitudes and Dispositions Also
Shape Behavior
● Conformity - change in behavior to fit in
○ Influenced by group (peers, society) ● Our actions are not shaped by external
forces alone.
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
1
, ● Personal attitudes and personality traits ● Building relationships and influencing
strongly shape behavior. others
● Our beliefs influence actions such as ● Promoting peace and cooperation
voting, resisting peer pressure, or helping
others. Applications of social psychology include:
● People may also respond differently to the ● Health and well-being,
same situation depending on their ● Environmental sustainability
disposition. ● Judicial settings
● For Example: One may seek revenge,
while another chooses forgiveness.
● ↑ Both attitudes and personality are key
Limits Strength Goal
factors in behavior.
Psychology Provides tools Learn to
Social Behavior is Biologically Rooted does not to ask and “think
answer life’s answer smarter”
ultimate important
Our inherited human nature predisposes questions questions
us to behave in ways that helped our ancestors (meaning, about beliefs,
survive and reproduce. purpose, attitudes and
We are social creatures, sensitive and destiny) relationships.
responsive to our social context.
The mind and body are one grand system; How do Human Values Influence Social
● Stress affects our feelings and actions Psychology?
● Testosterone decreases Trust ↓↑ Oxytocin
increases Trust
Social psychology is a method for
● Social Support strengthens the immune
answering questions with evidence, not just
system; Social Ostracism elevates blood
opinions.
pressure.
But since psychologists are humans, their
values can influence their work, both obvious and
We are bio-psycho-social organisms.
subtle.
Obvious Ways Values Enter Psychology
Social Psychology’s Principles in Everyday
Life Choice of Research Topics reflect social
history and current issues:
Social Psychology helps us see the subtle
● 1940s: Prejudice (due to fascism, WWII)
influences shaping our thoughts and actions:
● 1950s: Conformity (uniformity, intolerance
of differences)
Offers insights into:
● 1960s: Aggression (riots, crime)
● Understanding ourselves better
● 1970s: Gender & Sexism (feminist
movement)
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
2
, ● 1980s: Arms race & Psychology of war
● 1990s-2000s: Diversity (culture, race, Shared cultural assumptions = social
sexual orientation) representations (Moscovici).
● Future: Immigration, income inequality,
ageing (Fiske, 2011) 1980s critiques:
Cultural Differences ● Feminists: exposed bias (e.g., biological
explanations of gender differences).
Europe U.S Asia
● Marxists: exposed bias towards
Focus on Focus on More on individualism/competition (e.g., conformity
Social identity individuals collectivism seen as “bad,” rewards as “good”).
Disciplinary Attraction:
Even critics (feminists, Marxists, progressives) bring
● Different fields attract different their own values → risk of bias against conservatives.
personalities (humanities, social sciences,
social sciences) Our behaviour is shaped not just by the
● Social psychology often attracts people situation, but by how we construe the situation.
open to change, future-focused,
liberal-minded.
Psychological Concepts Contain Hidden
As a Research Topic itself: Values
● Psychologists study how values form, why
they change, how they influence attitudes Psychologists’ theories and judgments
and actions. often reflect their own values.
● BUT Social Psychology doesn’t decide
which values are “right” or “wrong”. Defining the Good Life:
Maslow’s idea of “self-actualization” reflected his
own chosen heroes (Jefferson, Lincoln,
Roosevelt).
Not So Obvious Ways Values Enter Psychology
Different “heroes” → different concepts of
The Subjective Aspects of Science self-actualization.
● Science is not purely objective →
scientists interpret nature through mental
categories. Professional Advice:
● Data (numbers) don’t “speak for
themselves” → they need interpretation. ● Advice reflects psychologists’
● Human minds perception: cultural/personal values
○ Ex. seeing a moving light as a UFO ● Western advice: individualistic (“do what
on expectations feels best for me”).
○ Another ex: we ignore our nose in ● Non-Western advice: collectivistic (“do
vision unless we focus on it. what benefits us”).
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
3
, ● Psychologists cannot answer ultimate Values subtly shape psychology through
moral/meaning-of-life questions. interpretations, cultural assumptions, advice,
concepts, and labels.
Forming Concepts: Science can’t escape subjectivity, but
diverse perspectives and systematic methods help
● Labels = value-laden. reduce bias.
● Ex: Same traits could be called “high
self-esteem” OR “defensiveness,” I Knew It All Along:
depending on perspective. Is Social Psychology Simply Common Sense?
Common Sense vs. Social Psychology:
Labeling Examples:
● Social psychology may feel like common
1. Quiet child: “bashful” vs “cautious.”
sense because we constantly observe
2. Guerrilla fighter: “terrorist” vs “freedom fighter.”
social behavior.
3. Civilian deaths: “innocent lives lost” vs
“collateral damage.”
Criticisms:
4. Information: “propaganda” vs “education.”
5. Aid: “welfare” vs “aid to the needy.” Trivial Dangerous
6. National pride: “their nationalism” vs “our
Only proves what we Findings could
patriotism.”
already know manipulate anyone
7. Affair: “open marriage” vs “adultery.”
8. Influence: “brainwashing” vs “persuasion.”
9. Sexual behaviour: “perversion” vs “preference.” The “Trivial” Criticism:
Ex. (WWII Soldier studies by Lazarsfeld, 1949):
Values are hidden in: ● Common-sense “explanations” of findings
often sound obvious, but the actual results
● Definitions of mental health were the opposite.
● Professional advice ● What feels like common sense is often
● Psychological concepts hindsight bias.
● Labels and language
This doesn’t mean science is invalid. Instead: Hindsight Bias
(“I-Knew-It-All-Along”
● Recognising subjectivity is why we need
Phenomenon)
diverse perspectives.
● Systematic research & experiments help
check biases and “clean the lens” of Definition:
perception.
The tendency to exaggerate, after learning an
outcome; One’s ability to have “foreseen” how
something turned out.
Over 800 studies confirm its reliability;
TRANSCRIBED BY: CADORNA, KRIZIEANE CAYLE
4
