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Social Psychology. Chapter 1: Introduction. Definition . Social psychology is the scientific study of the way in which people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people. Social Science “Cousins”.
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Social Psychology Chapter 1: Introduction
Definition • Social psychology is the scientific study of the way in which people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people.
Social Science “Cousins” • Sociology – more emphasis on the group as a unit and the function of larger groups and organizations • Personality psychology – more emphasis on personal, individual differences to explain differences in behavior • Social psychology – looks at the person in the situation.
What is a construal? • - the way in which people perceive, comprehend, and interpret the social world • - “Well, that’s just the way that I see it.” • Originated in the Gestalt theories of psychological perception. • Naïve realism (Lee Ross) – the conviction that we perceive things as they really are
Construals – our interpretation of the world -and human motives • Many times we need to see the world the way that we do • We need to feel good about ourselves • We need to justify our behavior • We need to be accurate • Example: the Rosenthal effect