Social psychology: an empirical science and social discipline

¶ … social science indentified as social psychology studies the influences that affect how individuals in a society interact with one another (Kenrick, 2006). In doing so, it applies scientific methods to measure how a variety of different factors such as group behavior, social perception, leadership, conformity, aggression and prejudice serve to affect how members of society relate to each other. In doing so, social psychologists examine the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of both the individuals and groups who incorporate society. They also measure the effect that culture factors such as advertising, television, literature, and the movies contribute to these interactions.

Through the study of social psychology experts in the field use empirical methods in an attempt to explain why people organize themselves in groups, make decisions, behave in deviant ways, and form dating relationships. The field of social psychology has adopted a number of approaches to study in this area but the two most commonly recognized approaches are experimental and critical. The essential difference, although not the only one, between the two approaches is that those following the experimental approach use the scientific method in addressing their theories while the critical approach argues that there are other ways than just using the scientific method to examine problems in the area of social psychology.

II. Comparing Social Psychology

Social psychology has grown up in the shadows of the other social sciences such as sociology and psychology (Oishi, 2009). Not unexpectedly, there are many overlapping concerns between social psychology and the other social sciences. In the case of sociology, the emphasis is on the institutions and culture that comprise society and their effect on the whole of society. Sociology is primarily interested in large social systems and societies. Psychology, on the other hand, is directed more toward studying the individual and how he or she is affected by living within the societal framework. Social psychology examines the individual as well but it does so within the broader confines of how individuals are affected by society's institutions and situations.

IV. Conclusion

The field of social psychology has demonstrated remarkable growth over the last fifty years. From humble beginnings that incorporated approaches developed in the other social sciences social psychology has now recognized as a separate and distinct field of study. Presently, social psychologists examine human behavior in the context of evolution, health and development, society and culture and compare the effects of the economy, interpersonal communication, politics, and cultural organizations. Against this background, social psychology attempts to explain and understand the complexities of life through research and experimentation. The research and experimentation is geared toward reaching an understanding of how and why people behave in a certain manner and how different circumstances and institutions affect these people. Through the study of social psychology, a better understanding of social phenomena such as prejudice, physical attraction, social isolation, work ethic, and life choices is possible. Quite simply, social psychology enables society to have a better understanding of how life affects each member and, correspondingly, how each member affects society.