Social Psychology
Why do we conform to societal norms? How do group settings alter individual behavior? Social psychology provides the scientific answers to these essential questions. From political propaganda to everyday peer pressure, the influence of others subtly shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
In today’s hyperconnected world, understanding social psychological principles is more relevant than ever—impacting marketing, politics, education, leadership, and even mental health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is social psychology different from sociology?
Can social psychology explain political polarization?
Why do people conform even when they know something is wrong?
Is social media affecting our psychology?
KEY TERMS
Social Perception
Attribution theory explores how we explain others’ actions—whether blaming personality (dispositional) or circumstances (situational).
Fundamental attribution error refers to our tendency to overemphasize personality traits and underplay context.
Attitudes and Persuasion
Cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957): When our actions contradict beliefs, we feel tension and often shift our attitudes to resolve it.
Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM): Explains how persuasion works through central (logic) or peripheral (emotions, attractiveness) routes.
Conformity and Obedience
Asch’s conformity experiment (1951) showed people go along with a group even when it’s clearly wrong.
Milgram’s obedience study (1963) revealed that ordinary individuals might harm others when instructed by an authority.