Social Science Indentified as Social Psychology Studies

¶ … 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.

III. Social Psychology as an Empirical Science

The growing influence and importance of science had it effect on the social sciences as well. Social psychology, one of the newer social sciences, emerged as a discipline at approximately at the same time as science developed in importance and, as a result, social psychology has adopted many of the research methods used by scientists in biology, chemistry and physics (Abelson, 2003). The use of scientific methodology by social psychologists has resulted in their finding that there is a high correlation between physical and social influences and how individuals adjust to their social settings. In doing their research social psychologists utilize two basic styles. In the first style, identified as being basic, social psychologists attempt to determine why people behave as they do. In the second style, known as applied research, social psychologists attempt to solve a particular social problem. The goals of the two types of research differ. In basic research the goal is to describe and understand behavior with little concern as to the practical use of such information while in applied research the goal is to solve the problems related to the behavior. There is a considerable overlap between the two research types and social psychologists adopt different types depending on the circumstances of the study but, typically, social psychologist adhere to one type of research or another.

The use of hard empirical evidence may seem to be an inconsistent method of measuring and evaluating the human experience but social psychologists are determined to make the process as objective as possible. Through the use of objective standards and practices, social psychologists attempt to isolate the factors that influence human behavior and, in the process, develop a better understanding of how the overall condition of society can be improved.

IV. Conclusion