Social Psychology Essay

Social Psychology is the scientific study of the manner in which attitudes, motivations, and behavior are formed upon the internal (personal) and external (situational) factors that affect one’s “self”; resulting in the transformation of the dynamics behind human interaction. Though not always obvious, social psychology is a constant aspect of our everyday lives. With each passing day our psychological make-ups are molded and altered from the interactions with others and the environment. It is through this science we are able to quantify human nature and explain the reasons behind one’s actions, leading to a deeper understanding of how people think and react to the stimuli they perceive, consciously and subconsciously.
In the quest for insight, “social psychologists propose theories that organize their observations and imply testable hypotheses and practical predictions” (Myers, 2014). By conducting experiments, psychologists are able to test their hypotheses and form conclusions based upon their findings. These experiments can range greatly in the methods employed in their implementation and execution; from natural observation to controlled lab experiments. Though they all seek the same outcome – to analyze their findings and form theories supported by facts. “To a scientist, facts and theories are apples and oranges. Facts are agreed-upon statements about what we observe. Theories are ideas that summarize and explain facts” (Myers, 2014).
Such methods of experimentation have been utilized by psychologists like Leon Festinger. During the year of 1934, an earthquake would hit India causing widespread panic. As result of this disaster many rumors of future calamity outside the strike zone would surface. Leon Festinger, through t...

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...or. By taking an outsider's perspective, people can deduce their own internal states, including their attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and even self-views, from information provided by their own actions. The inferences that are formed can be critically dependent upon the external factors perceived to be influencing their behavior in that situation.
Even if you are unfamiliar with the concept of self-perception, chances are you have exhibited behavior that would enforce this theory. Let’s say, for example, that you are a fan of watching horror movies because you think it’s the best type of genre or because you are fond of the fear driven stimuli you experience. You decided that you like horror movies based on the fact that watch them consistently. Thus, we learn about ourselves and form self-judgments the same way we learn about and judge others – through observation.