Explaining people’s behavior. How Critical Social Psychology improved the approach of Mainstream Social Psychology

Essay , 2013 , 11 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Psychology - Social Psychology

The presented essay outlines the role of Critical Social Psychology within the context of Social Psychology in general and in comparison to Mainstream Social Psychology in particular.
Therefore the following chapter contributes to the understanding of Mainstream Social Psychology, after the reader got an understanding of the origins and reasons for the field of Social Psychology in this introductory part. Based on the gained knowledge there, examples are pro-vided to deepen the knowledge of Mainstream Social Psychology. To draw a contrast, the following chapter concentrates on Critical Social Psychology, outlining differences on examples as well, which is the main part of this essay. Concerning the differences, the third chapter will form the rounding end of this essay and finally underline the importance of Critical Social Psychology, as well as the presence of Mainstream Social Psychology.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Introduction
• 1 Mainstream Social Psychology
  • 1.1 The Experimental Approach
  • 1.2 Example
• 2 Critical Social Psychology
  • 2.1 Departure from Mainstream Social Psychology
  • 2.2 Example
• Conclusion
• Reference list

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This essay aims to explore the role of Critical Social Psychology within the broader context of Social Psychology, particularly in comparison to Mainstream Social Psychology. It delves into the origins and development of both approaches, highlighting their key differences and contributions to understanding human behavior in social settings.

• The development and characteristics of Mainstream Social Psychology
• The emergence of Critical Social Psychology and its departure from mainstream approaches
• The contrasting methodologies and perspectives of both approaches
• The impact of Critical Social Psychology on the field of Social Psychology
• The ongoing relevance and limitations of both Mainstream and Critical Social Psychology

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The introduction provides a historical overview of Social Psychology, tracing its roots in sociological, anthropological, and psychological movements. It introduces the key figures who shaped the field, such as William McDougall and William James, and highlights the contrasting perspectives on the individual's role in the social environment. The chapter also discusses the development of two main approaches to Social Psychology: the individuo-centered and the socio-centered approaches.

Chapter 1 focuses on Mainstream Social Psychology, emphasizing its scientific approach and reliance on experimental methods. It explores the origins of experimental Social Psychology, starting with Norman Triplett's pioneering work on competitive behavior. The chapter also discusses the influence of behaviorism and Gestalt Psychology on the development of experimental Social Psychology, highlighting the shift from instinct-based explanations to a focus on social influence.

Chapter 2 delves into Critical Social Psychology, outlining its departure from the mainstream approach. It examines the critiques of Mainstream Social Psychology, including its focus on individual behavior, its neglect of power dynamics, and its tendency to reinforce existing social structures. The chapter also explores the alternative perspectives offered by Critical Social Psychology, emphasizing the importance of social context, power relations, and social change.

Schlüsselwörter

The key terms and focus themes of this text include Critical Social Psychology, Mainstream Social Psychology, experimental methods, social influence, power dynamics, social context, social change, and the relationship between the individual and society. The essay explores how these concepts intersect and contribute to a deeper understanding of human behavior in social settings.

• College: University of Auckland (Department of Social Sciences)
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Steven Schmidt (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 11
• Catalog Number: V281788
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656768609
• ISBN (Book): 9783656768746
• Language: English
• Tags: Social, Psychology, Essay, Sozialpsychologie, Englisch, Floyd, Booth, Milgram, Stainton, Experimental