This paper provides an overview of social psychology, tracing its origins to pre–World War II interactions between psychologists and sociologists. It surveys four major theoretical frameworks—attribution theory, cognitive dissonance theory, drive theory, and schemata theory—explaining how each accounts for aspects of human thought, emotion, and behavior. The paper then examines key intrapersonal concepts including attitudes, persuasion, and self-concept. It concludes by charting the field's growth and expanding applications across politics, business, medicine, and counseling, arguing that social psychology's focus on human relations ensures its continued relevance and development.
Social psychology studies how people's thoughts, emotions, and feelings are influenced by what they see, hear, or observe from their immediate environment (Feenstra, 2013). It also examines how those same people respond to these influences within their living environment. Human beings are sensitive and receptive to all that goes on around them, reacting to the stimuli they receive through sight and hearing. In the early days before the Second World War, psychologists and sociologists interacted closely in the course of their work. This interaction resulted in the development of the field of social psychology, which has since helped in understanding the intricate aspects of human socio-psychological phenomena (Burns, 2008).
More than ten theories have been developed since the mid-twentieth century concerning social psychology. They all seek to explain phenomena that touch on human life and its psychological dimensions. One such theory is attribution theory (Boundless, 2013). This theory defines how people attribute causes to events and is divided into two types: external attribution and internal attribution. The former relates to how people attribute events in their lives to external causes such as weather and other natural determinants. The latter explains how people attribute events to internal factors such as ability or personality.
Psychologists still apply attribution theory today when analyzing occurrences in life. The theory has also been utilized by other social scientists, such as political scientists, when analyzing political situations. Its ability to help determine cause-and-effect relationships among people makes it highly applicable across the social sciences. It also aids in the generation of ideas that have proven useful in offering psychological treatment to patients (Feenstra, 2013).
Cognitive dissonance theory explains the condition in which an individual conducts a self-analysis and deep soul-searching. It holds that when people commit harmful acts, they are likely to feel guilty or ashamed. This feeling can prompt a change of heart, leading the person to abandon that course of action. The feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness arising from a lack of self-approval for one's actions is referred to as dissonance (Boundless, 2013).
Drive theory holds that the presence of an audience produces reactions and arousal in a person. One is likely to change attitudes and approaches when in the company of others compared to when alone. Habits and modes of conduct shift depending on who is present. In this regard, psychologists have developed models showing how people ought to be treated in different situations. Political psychologists find this theory particularly applicable when working with clients in politics. It is also relevant in the fields of marketing and teaching (Burns, 2008).
"How schemas shape perception and behavior"
"Attitudes, persuasion, and self-concept explained"
"Growth and future of the field"
You’re 41% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 3 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.