Social Psychology
This approach aims to investigate our social behaviour: how we behave in (and sometimes because of) the presence of others. In particular, researchers have looked at social influence, that is, how our actions can be affected by others, for example, an authority figure as in Milgram’s study.
After studying this section, you should be able to:
• describe and evaluate the social approach in psychology
• describe and evaluate the various methodologies used to studysocialpsychology
• describe and evaluate the various issues and debates appropriate tosocialpsychology
• describe the social core studies in relation to methodology, approaches and perspectives, andissues and debates
• evaluate the social core studies in relation to methodology, approaches and perspectives, andissues and debates
Test your knowledge of the key details of the four social studies using the exercise below.
Evaluating an approach, using studies as evidenceA common question in Paper 1 is to evaluate the approach, using the studies you have covered as an example. E.g... Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the social psychology approach using one of the studies listed below as an example. [10]
A very common mistake here is for students to simply evaluate the study itself (e.g. saying the strengths and weaknesses of the Milgram study). This does not answer the question. You need to use the studies as examples, in order to evaluate THE APPROACH! Using the PEE structure can be very helpful here. For example: P - Make a point about a strength or weakness of the approach (e.g. see the ones given below) | Assignment 1 - Practice paper 2 questions3 (a)Outline what is meant by the ‘social approach’ in psychology. [2] |
discuss_the_strengths_and_weaknesses_of_the_social_psychology_approach_using_one_of_the_studies_listed_below_as_an_example.docx
Strengths of the social approach
| Weaknesses of the social approach
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RevisionRepetitions flashcards social_approach_studies.srs Practice applying the theories you've learned in Social Psychology to real world issues of your choice... applying_psychology_to_real_world_issues_-_social_psychology.docx
| Extensionobedience_in_the_co*ckpit.pdf Based on the social psychological principles you have studied, what factors will encourage people to behave better to each other? The video below is taken from a lecture series at Yale University, the first in a two part introduction to Social Psychology...
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