Human Social Behaviour

Summary:

The notes provide a comprehensive summary of Human Social Behaviour, covering all topics and weeks of the semester. They begin with an introduction to Social Psychology, followed by methods and practices of conducting research in this field. Key areas explored include Social Cognition & Perception, concepts of Self and Identity, and Attitudes & Persuasion theories. The notes also delve into Social Influence and Group Processes, discussing dynamics within and between groups. They explore Prejudice & Intergroup Relations, along with discussions on Aggression and Prosocial Behaviour. The subject of interpersonal relationships is also addressed, with topics on Liking, Love, and other Close Relationships. These notes succinctly cover all relevant information required for the exam, providing an efficient review of the semester’s content.

Excerpt:

Human Social Behaviour

What is Social Psychology? – Week 1

How do we define social psychology, including how is it similar/different to other research areas?

Typically, we define social psychology as “the scientific investigation of how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others” Allport (1954, p. 5).

• Actual presence: the physical presence of others.
• Imagined presence: imagining being in the physical presence of others.
• Implied presence: assigning social meaning to things because of our interactions with others.

Social psychology offers us a fuller understanding of psychological processes and behaviour by actively acknowledging the importance of social interaction/context. It differs from other disciplines as it gives us an understanding of people by emphasising the following:

• the psychological processes that contribute to our social interactions (differs from sociology, anthropology)
• the social context/environment they come from, and the contribution this has on psychological processes (differs from other types of psychology)

What are levels of analysis (or explanation), and why is this concept important to social psychology?

Others: people in our social world, what people think, feel, and do at multiple levels:

1. Intrapersonal (within the individual)
2. Interpersonal (between individuals – e.g., dyads, families)
3. Intragroup (within teams/groups)
4. Intergroup (between groups, wider society)