Unit 1848: Social Psychology Comprehensive Outline

1. Introduction to Social Psychology

• Definition and scope of social psychology
• The role of social factors in individual behavior
• Group dynamics and social norms
• Historical development and key figures

2. Social Perception and Cognition

• Person perception: how we form impressions of others
• Attribution theory: understanding causes of behavior
  • Internal vs. external attributions
  • Fundamental attribution error
• Impression formation and management
• Social cognition: schemas, heuristics, and biases

3. Attitudes and Attitude Change

• Formation of attitudes: cognitive, affective, and behavioral components
• Factors influencing attitudes: personal experience, social learning
• Persuasion techniques:
  • Elaboration Likelihood Model (central and peripheral routes)
  • Source credibility and message framing
• Cognitive dissonance theory and attitude change

4. Conformity and Obedience

• Definitions and distinctions between conformity, compliance, and obedience
• Classic studies:
  • Solomon Asch’s conformity experiments
  • Stanley Milgram’s obedience study
• Factors influencing conformity and obedience:
  • Group size, unanimity, culture
  • Authority and situational pressures

5. Group Dynamics

• Group polarization: causes and effects
• Groupthink: symptoms and consequences
• Social facilitation and social inhibition
• Social loafing: causes and prevention

6. Prejudice and Discrimination

• Definitions and psychological origins
• Stereotypes: formation and impact
• Causes of prejudice: social, cognitive, and motivational factors
• Consequences of discrimination
• Strategies to reduce intergroup conflict and promote social equality

7. Interpersonal Relationships

• Factors influencing attraction and relationship formation
• Theories of love and relationship development
• Interpersonal communication styles
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Characteristics of successful and enduring relationships

8. Social Influence in the Digital Age

• Application of social psychology concepts to online behavior
• Social media influence and online impression management
• Cyberbullying: causes, effects, and prevention
• Online dating dynamics
• Impact of technology on social relationships and identity

9. Applying Social Psychology in Real Life

• Social psychology in marketing and advertising
• Applications in healthcare: patient compliance and health behavior change
• Educational settings: motivation and group learning
• Diversity training and inclusion initiatives
• Social change efforts: activism and policy implications