Understanding the Facets of Social Psychology Research Paper

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 1206 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 4

Page 1 of 4

History Of Social Psychology

Social Psychology studies how people's thoughts emotions and feelings are influenced by what they see, hear or observe from their immediate environment (Feenstra, 2013). It also involves to how the same people respond to these influencers within their living environment. We must appreciate the fact that human beings are sensitive and receptive to all that goes on within their living environment. They react to the stimuli they get through sight or hearing. It the early days before the Second World War, psychologists and sociologists used to interact mostly in their course of action. This interaction resulted in the development of this field of social psychology. It has helped in understanding the intricate aspects of human socio-psychological phenomena (Burns, 2008).

Social Psychology theories

There are more than ten theories developed as from the late mid 20th century concerning the area of social psychology. They all explain the phenomena touching on the human life and other aspects that are of the psychological aspect. One such theory is the attribution theory (Boundless, 2013). The theory defines how people attribute causes to events. It is divided into two as the external and the internal attribution. The former relates to how people attribute the events that happen in their lives to external causes such as weather and other natural determinants. The latter explains how people attribute the events happening to internal factors such as ability or personality.

Presently, psychologists still apply this theory in infering the occurrences in life. The theory has also been utilized by other social scientists such as political scientists when making analyses of political situations. The fact that the theory helps in the determination of the cause and effect relationships among people makes it a very applicable theory in social science.

Stuck Writing Your "Understanding the Facets of Social Psychology" Research Paper?

View All Our Example Understanding the Facets of Social Psychology Research Paper

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

It also helps in the generation of ideas that have been seen to help in offering psychological treatment to patients (Feenstra, 2013).

Cognitive dissonance theory

This theory explains the condition where an individual conducts a self-analysis and deep soul searching. It explains that when people commit awful things, they are likely to become guilty of feel shameful about them. The latter feeling will inform a change of heart, and the person will consequently abandon pursuing that line of action further. The feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness that comes with lack of self-approval for what one has done is considered as dissonance (Boundless, 2013).

Drive theory

This theory has it that the presence of an audience will inform some reactions and arousal to the person in question. One is likely to change his or her attitudes and approach to situations and issues when with people differently from when alone. Habits and mode of conduct change when one is with certain people than when with others. In this regard, psychologists have developed models that show how people ought to be treated when in different situations. Political psychologists find this theory very applicable when solving the issues of their clients, the politicians. It also applies in the marketing field as well as in the teaching profession (Burns, 2008).

Schemata theory

This theory talks about issues referred to as schemas. Schemas are fields of thought that explain people's perceptions towards issues. For instance, the said occupants will perceive the surrounding environment that people live in differently. For instance, in a school setting, students have varied schemas. Those interested in the sports and other co-curricular activities will develop concepts, schemas, which are related to….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Understanding The Facets Of Social Psychology" (2014, December 08) Retrieved May 16, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/understanding-facets-social-psychology-2154278

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Understanding The Facets Of Social Psychology" 08 December 2014. Web.16 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/understanding-facets-social-psychology-2154278>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Understanding The Facets Of Social Psychology", 08 December 2014, Accessed.16 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/understanding-facets-social-psychology-2154278
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example