History of Social Psychology
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
A abnormality refers to any behavior, thought, or feeling that deviates f… #
Related terms include anomaly, deviance, and eccentricity. Abnormality can manifest in various ways, such as unusual behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that are not typically observed in most people. For instance, a person who experiences excessive anxiety in social situations may be considered abnormal. However, it is essential to note that what is considered abnormal can vary greatly across different cultures and societies. In the context of social psychology, understanding abnormality is crucial in developing interventions and treatments to help individuals who may be struggling with abnormal behaviors or thoughts.
Acceleration refers to the process of speeding up or increasing the rate of a pa… #
In social psychology, acceleration can be observed in the context of group dynamics, where the presence of others can accelerate an individual's behavior or performance. For example, a person may be more likely to donate to charity when surrounded by others who are also donating. Related terms include facilitation, social influence, and conformity. Acceleration can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the context and the behavior being accelerated. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, understanding acceleration is important in recognizing how social influences can impact individual behavior.
Action research is a methodology used in social psychology to study and address… #
It involves active participation of the researcher in the research process, working closely with the community or group being studied. Related terms include participatory research, collaborative research, and empowerment research. Action research aims to develop practical solutions to real-world problems, while also contributing to the development of social psychological theory. For instance, an action research project may aim to reduce bias in hiring practices by working with employers and employees to develop and implement new hiring procedures. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, action research is an essential methodology for addressing social issues and promoting positive change.
Affect refers to the experience of emotion or feeling, and is a fundament… #
Related terms include mood, sentiment, and attitude. Affect can influence an individual's thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with others. For example, a person who is feeling happy may be more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering. Understanding affect is crucial in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including decision-making, communication, and relationships. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, affect is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Aggression refers to any behavior that is intended to cause harm or injur… #
Related terms include violence, hostility, and anger. Aggression can manifest in various forms, including physical, verbal, or relational aggression. For instance, a person who engages in bullying behavior is exhibiting aggression. Understanding aggression is essential in social psychology, as it can have severe consequences for individuals and society as a whole. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, aggression is a critical concept in understanding and addressing social issues, such as conflict and violence.
Altruism refers to the behavior of prioritizing the welfare of others ove… #
Related terms include prosocial behavior, empathy, and selflessness. Altruism can manifest in various ways, such as donating to charity, volunteering, or engaging in acts of kindness. For example, a person who donates a kidney to a stranger is exhibiting altruistic behavior. Understanding altruism is important in social psychology, as it can have positive effects on individuals and society, such as promoting cooperation and social cohesion. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, altruism is a significant concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Anchoring refers to the tendency to rely too heavily on the first piece of infor… #
Related terms include availability heuristic, representativeness heuristic, and biases. Anchoring can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making, as individuals may fail to consider other relevant information. For instance, a person who is asked to estimate the price of a house may be influenced by the initial price they are given, even if it is not accurate. Understanding anchoring is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including consumer behavior and financial decision-making. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, anchoring is a critical concept in understanding human judgment and decision-making.
Attachment refers to the emotional bond between two individuals, such as a child… #
Related terms include affection, bonding, and relationships. Attachment styles, such as secure or insecure attachment, can influence an individual's behavior and interactions with others throughout their life. For example, a person with a secure attachment style may be more likely to form healthy relationships and exhibit empathy towards others. Understanding attachment is crucial in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships and mental health. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, attachment is a key concept in understanding human development and social interactions.
Attitude refers to a person's evaluation or opinion about a particular ob… #
Related terms include belief, value, and prejudice. Attitudes can influence an individual's behavior and interactions with others, and can be changed through various means, such as persuasion or education. For instance, a person who holds a positive attitude towards environmental conservation may be more likely to engage in eco-friendly behaviors. Understanding attitudes is essential in social psychology, as they can impact various aspects of social behavior, including decision-making, communication, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, attitude is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Attribution refers to the process of assigning cause or blame to a… #
Related terms include causality, responsibility, and explanation. Attribution can influence an individual's perceptions and behaviors, and can be influenced by various biases and heuristics. For example, a person who attributes their success to luck rather than effort may be less likely to take credit for their achievements. Understanding attribution is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including motivation, self-esteem, and relationships. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, attribution is a significant concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Authority refers to the power or influence that an individual or group ha… #
Related terms include power, control, and dominance. Authority can be legitimate or illegitimate, and can influence an individual's behavior and interactions with others. For instance, a person in a position of authority may be more likely to be obeyed, even if their instructions are unethical. Understanding authority is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including conformity, obedience, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, authority is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Autonomy refers to the degree of control or independence that an i… #
Related terms include self-determination, freedom, and agency. Autonomy can influence an individual's motivation, creativity, and overall well-being. For example, a person who has autonomy in their work may be more likely to be motivated and productive. Understanding autonomy is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including job satisfaction, mental health, and relationships. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, autonomy is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Bias refers to a systematic error or distortion in thinking or per… #
Related terms include prejudice, stereotype, and discrimination. Bias can influence an individual's judgments, decisions, and behaviors, and can be influenced by various cultural and social factors. For instance, a person who holds a bias against a particular group may be less likely to interact with them or consider their perspective. Understanding bias is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, communication, and social justice. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, bias is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Bystander effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to h… #
Related terms include diffusion of responsibility, pluralistic ignorance, and social influence. The bystander effect can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of others, the perceived emergency of the situation, and the individual's level of empathy. For example, a person who witnesses a crime may be less likely to intervene if they are in a group, as they may assume that someone else will take responsibility. Understanding the bystander effect is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including helping behavior, emergency response, and community engagement. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, the bystander effect is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Catharsis refers to the process of releasing or purging pent #
up emotions, such as anger or frustration, and is a concept in social psychology. Related terms include emotional expression, emotional release, and stress relief. Catharsis can be achieved through various means, such as exercise, creative activities, or talking to someone. For instance, a person who engages in aggressive behavior, such as playing a violent video game, may experience catharsis and feel a sense of relief. Understanding catharsis is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including emotional regulation, mental health, and relationships. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, catharsis is a significant concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Cognitive dissonance refers to the feeling of unease or discomfort … #
Related terms include dissonance theory, cognitive consistency, and attitude change. Cognitive dissonance can motivate an individual to change their attitudes or behaviors to reduce the discomfort. For example, a person who smokes and knows that smoking is harmful to their health may experience cognitive dissonance and be motivated to quit smoking. Understanding cognitive dissonance is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including attitude change, behavior change, and decision-making. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, cognitive dissonance is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Compliance refers to the act of conforming to a request or demand … #
Related terms include obedience, conformity, and social influence. Compliance can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of authority, the perceived legitimacy of the request, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who is asked to donate to a charity may comply with the request if they perceive the charity as legitimate and the request as reasonable. Understanding compliance is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including helping behavior, customer behavior, and organizational behavior. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, compliance is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Conflict refers to a disagreement or incompatibility between two o… #
Related terms include dispute, argument, and violence. Conflict can arise from various sources, such as cultural differences, communication breakdowns, or competition for resources. For example, a conflict may arise between two groups with different values or beliefs. Understanding conflict is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, conflict is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Conformity refers to the act of changing one's behavior or attitudes</… #
Related terms include compliance, obedience, and social influence. Conformity can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of authority, the perceived legitimacy of the group, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who is part of a group that values individuality may conform to the group's norms by expressing their unique personality. Understanding conformity is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, conformity is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Cooperation refers to the act of working together with others to achieve a commo… #
Related terms include collaboration, mutual aid, and reciprocity. Cooperation can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of trust, the perceived fairness of the cooperation, and the individual's level of motivation. For example, a person who is part of a team that values cooperation may be more likely to work together with their teammates to achieve a common goal. Understanding cooperation is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, cooperation is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Coping refers to the strategies or mechanisms that individuals use to dea… #
Related terms include resilience, adaptation, and self-regulation. Coping can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of social support, the perceived control over the situation, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who uses positive self-talk as a coping mechanism may be more likely to manage their stress and anxiety effectively. Understanding coping is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including mental health, physical health, and relationships. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, coping is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Deindividuation refers to the loss of self #
awareness and personal identity that can occur when an individual is part of a group or crowd, and is a significant concept in social psychology. Related terms include anonymity, diffusion of responsibility, and social influence. Deindividuation can lead to impulsive and aggressive behavior, as individuals may feel less accountable for their actions. For instance, a person who is part of a riot may engage in destructive behavior, as they may feel anonymous and less responsible for their actions. Understanding deindividuation is important in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including group dynamics, crowd behavior, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, deindividuation is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Discrimination refers to the act of treating individuals or groups unfair… #
Related terms include prejudice, stereotype, and bias. Discrimination can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of power imbalances, the perceived threat of the group, and the individual's level of motivation. For example, a person who holds prejudiced views against a particular group may be more likely to discriminate against them. Understanding discrimination is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social justice. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, discrimination is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Emotion refers to a feeling or affective state, such as happine… #
Related terms include mood, affect, and sentiment. Emotions can influence an individual's thoughts, behaviors, and interactions with others, and can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of social support, the perceived control over the situation, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who experiences positive emotions may be more likely to engage in prosocial behavior. Understanding emotions is essential in social psychology, as they can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, emotion is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Equality refers to the state of being equal or having the same rights<… #
Related terms include fairness, justice, and equity. Equality can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of power imbalances, the perceived threat of the group, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who values equality may be more likely to support social and political movements that aim to promote equal rights and opportunities. Understanding equality is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social justice. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, equality is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Expectancy refers to the belief or anticipation that a particular… #
Related terms include prediction, prognosis, and forecast. Expectancy can influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of social support, the perceived control over the situation, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who expects to succeed in a particular task may be more likely to experience confidence and motivation. Understanding expectancy is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, expectancy is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Fairness refers to the state of being just or having the same rights</… #
Related terms include justice, equity, and equality. Fairness can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of power imbalances, the perceived threat of the group, and the individual's level of motivation. For example, a person who values fairness may be more likely to support social and political movements that aim to promote fair treatment and equal opportunities. Understanding fairness is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social justice. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, fairness is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Groupthink refers to the phenomenon where a group of individuals, motivat… #
Related terms include conformity, social influence, and group polarization. Groupthink can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of power imbalances, the perceived threat of the group, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a group of individuals who are motivated by the desire for consensus may be more likely to engage in groupthink and make poor decisions. Understanding groupthink is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, groupthink is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Identity refers to the definition or concept of oneself, including… #
Related terms include self-concept, self-esteem, and personality. Identity can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of social support, the perceived control over the situation, and the individual's level of motivation. For example, a person who identifies as a member of a particular group may be more likely to engage in behaviors that are consistent with the group's values and norms. Understanding identity is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, identity is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Impression formation refers to the process of forming an opinion or im… #
Related terms include person perception, social perception, and attribution. Impression formation can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of stereotypes, the perceived similarity to the other person, and the individual's level of motivation. For instance, a person who forms a positive impression of someone may be more likely to engage in prosocial behavior towards them. Understanding impression formation is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, impression formation is a key concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Influence refers to the ability to shape or change the thoughts… #
Related terms include power, persuasion, and manipulation. Influence can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of authority, the perceived legitimacy of the influence, and the individual's level of motivation. For example, a person who has influence over others may be more likely to shape their opinions and behaviors. Understanding influence is essential in social psychology, as it can impact various aspects of social behavior, including interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and social change. In the context of the Advanced Certificate in Social Psychology course, influence is a critical concept in understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Intergroup relations refer to the interactions and relationships between… #
Related terms include group dynamics, social identity, and conflict. Intergroup relations can be influenced by various social and cultural factors, such as the presence of power imbalances, the perceived threat of the group, and the individual's level of motivation.