Definition of Social Psychology The scientific study of

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Definition of Social Psychology The scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave

Definition of Social Psychology The scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave toward other people and how individuals thoughts, feelings, & behaviors are affected by other people (Brehm, Kassin, & Fein 2002 p 5). The scientific investigation of how the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined and implied presence of others (Hogg & Vaughan 2005 p 4).

Social psychology of helping behaviour §On 13 March 1964 Catherine Genovese (28), bar manager,

Social psychology of helping behaviour §On 13 March 1964 Catherine Genovese (28), bar manager, arrived home at about 3: 15 a. m. § She lived in a block of flats in Kew Gardens (New York) where she parked her car some 100 feet from her apartment. §A stranger (Winston Moseley) intercepted & stabbed her for no known reason other than that Moseley was a necrophiliac.

Catherine Genovese (Kitty) Kitty (28 at the time) • New York Times story (27

Catherine Genovese (Kitty) Kitty (28 at the time) • New York Times story (27 March 1964) • For about 1/2 hour 38 law abiding citizens watched the murder of Kitty Genovese without phoning the police or coming to her aid. • Why did so many people fail to help?

Social & cognitive processes § Ways in which our emotions influence our thinking §

Social & cognitive processes § Ways in which our emotions influence our thinking § Ways in which our motives justify our means § Ways in which significant others, e. g. family, society, influence our attitudes, values and beliefs. § Ways in which our perceptions influence our reality

Cognitive processes

Cognitive processes

Cognitive processes

Cognitive processes

8 Principles of Social Behaviour Two fundamental principles: ¥ People construct their own reality

8 Principles of Social Behaviour Two fundamental principles: ¥ People construct their own reality ¥ People are influenced & influence others Three motivational principles: ¥ Strive for mastery ¥ Strive for connectedness ¥ Value “me & mine” Three processing principles: ¥ Conservatism ¥ Accessibility ¥ Superficiality Vs Depth

Recommended Reading 4 Brehm, S. S. , Kassin, S. , M. , & Fein,

Recommended Reading 4 Brehm, S. S. , Kassin, S. , M. , & Fein, S (2002) Social Psychology. Houghton Mifflin: London (chapter 1) 4 Hogg, M. , & Vaughan, G. (2005) Social Psychology (4 th edition) Prentice-Hall: London (chapter 1)