Psychology: The Core Concepts Of Social Psychology

The core concepts of Social psychology as emphasised by Allpot (1985 as cited in Aronson et al. 2010, pp. 3-4) involves the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people, and by extension of how this is shaped by the entire social environment made up of their cultural and family background. In addition, Lewin (1943 as cited in Aronson et al. 2010, p.4) stated that Social psychology also involves an attempt in understanding how people are influenced by their (construal) individual understanding, perception, interpretation and comprehension of their social world.

Baron et al. (2008, p.5) stated that people’s experiences are widely and powerfully shaped by those

Mann (as cited in McLeod, 2007) identified three (3) forms of Conformity which he termed as Normative conformity, implying yielding to group pressure to fit in within a group or the desire to be liked, because the person is scared of being rejected by the group (Asch Line study);

Informational conformity, implying the need to be correct due to lack of knowledge and looking for guidance by using others opinion and actions as guides to define social reality and for guidance when a situation is ambiguous or unclear, when the situation is a crisis and when other people are seen as experts (Sherif’s Autokinetic experiment) and Ingratiation conformity, implying that a person conforms to impress others or to gain favour or acceptance from

along highways detailing speed limits, in parks directing people to keep off the grass or no parking, no swimming) and in other situations, these rules could be implicit or unspoken (e.g. regardless of political affiliations, generality of people would stand up when the national anthem of their country is played at sporting events or at other public