What´s Social Psychology?

Social psychology is a scientific-based study which is used to examine and explain how an individual’s thoughts and feelings affect their behaviour within a society; how the members socially interact, including their motives; and what influences these members have on each other. This essay will endeavour to introduce the key psychologists, their theories and the idiographic research they conducted. In particular, it will focus on the features and definition of conformity and the investigations into the views on conformity. Furthermore, it aims to critically analyse and reveal a correlation in the results and conclusions in respect to the current comprehension of human social behaviour.
Conformity is a form of social influence and is otherwise known as the majority influence, since people conform to the norm(s) of their particular group. Social norms are belief systems which provide an effective, manageable and predictable life, creating a sense of order for people to live by. These norms vary within each social group, for example: family, friends, tribes or nations and are ingrained through most lifestyle choices, such as fashion for example. The common goals of the norms help guide behaviour and through social cognition people interpret what behaviour and response each situation requires. Culture, settings and social roles can affect levels of conformity. In collectivist societies, like those found in China and Russia, compliance to the cultural values and traditional norms are more apparent than in individualist societies found in Europe and America. Although, in China and Russia, there are usually more severe consequences and serious punishments involved for anyone who shows any defamation of the values or disloyalty.
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...n have on a negative effect on a person’s health, often resulting in depression. The research has improved human’s understanding and interpretation of behaviour. Although these studies have uncovered many general flaws with a personality, the mere fact that these traits have been exposed makes way for further investigation, psychological studies and improvements.

Works Cited

Psychology. The Science of Mind and Behaviour. 3rd Ed. Gross, R. 1996, Bookpoint LTD.
Psychology AS – The Complete Companion, Cardwell, M. & Flanagan, C. 2005. Nelson Thornes Limited.
Social Psychology – Edited by Giles, B. 2002. The Brown Reference Group PLC. http://12most.com/2012/12/14/revealing-studies-of-human-behavior-2/ http://psychology.about.com/od/classicpsychologystudies/p/conformity.htm
http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2011/09/21/who-discovered-the-earth-is-ro/