What is Social Psychology?

"The scientific investigation of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by actual, imagined or implied presence of others. “ Allport (1935)

This area of Psychology focuses research on our social behaviours. These areas include helping, obedience, conformity, prejudice, aggression and attraction.

Social Psychology looks at the influence of the individual, the group, the society and the culture on individual’s behaviour.

Summary

Social Psychologists explain behaviour through the influence of other people.

They carry out research using the experimental method, observations and surveys.

Social Psychology has contributed to many areas such as criminology, education and industry.

It is scientific and very useful, but it can be unethical.