Learning Unit 1: Introduction to Social
Psychology
1. Definition of Social Psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals think, feel and behave in
social situations. It examines how people’s behaviour, thoughts and emotions are
influenced by the presence of others, whether actual, imagined or implied.
1.1 Human beings are both individual and social beings, meaning that their behaviour is
strongly shaped by interactions with others and social environments.
1.2 Social psychology therefore focuses on:
● Social interactions
● Group influence
● Social behaviour in society
● How people interpret and respond to the social world
2. Human Behaviour in Social Settings
Social psychology studies why people behave the way they do when interacting with others.
2.1 Human behaviour is influenced by:
● Social norms
● Cultural expectations
● Group membership
● Social structures within society
2.3 People’s interactions are shaped by the communities and societies they belong to,
meaning behaviour cannot be understood without considering the social context.
2.4 Examples of social settings include:
● Schools
● Workplaces
● Shopping malls
● Social media
● Sports events
● Family environments
2.4.1 Each setting has specific norms and expectations that guide behaviour.
, 3. Social, Community and Society
3.1 Social
The term social refers to interactions between people.
3.1.1 These interactions can occur:
● Face-to-face
● Online (e.g., social media)
3.1.2 Social spaces allow people to:
● Share ideas
● Express opinions
● Form relationships
● Engage in cultural or political discussions.
3.2 Community
A community refers to the immediate environment where people live and interact regularly.
3.2.1 Communities influence:
● Social values
● Cultural practices
● Behavioural norms.
3.3 Society
Society refers to the larger social structure or nation in which communities exist.
3.3.1 Society shapes behaviour through:
● Laws
● Cultural traditions
● Social institutions
● Political systems.
4. Importance of Studying Social Psychology
Studying social psychology helps us understand why people behave the way they do in
social situations.
4.1 It is important because it allows psychologists to:
● Identify causes of behaviour
● Understand social problems
● Encourage positive behaviours
● Reduce harmful behaviours
4.2 Social psychology helps address social issues such as:
● Violence
● Prejudice
● Discrimination
● Aggression.
Psychology
1. Definition of Social Psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals think, feel and behave in
social situations. It examines how people’s behaviour, thoughts and emotions are
influenced by the presence of others, whether actual, imagined or implied.
1.1 Human beings are both individual and social beings, meaning that their behaviour is
strongly shaped by interactions with others and social environments.
1.2 Social psychology therefore focuses on:
● Social interactions
● Group influence
● Social behaviour in society
● How people interpret and respond to the social world
2. Human Behaviour in Social Settings
Social psychology studies why people behave the way they do when interacting with others.
2.1 Human behaviour is influenced by:
● Social norms
● Cultural expectations
● Group membership
● Social structures within society
2.3 People’s interactions are shaped by the communities and societies they belong to,
meaning behaviour cannot be understood without considering the social context.
2.4 Examples of social settings include:
● Schools
● Workplaces
● Shopping malls
● Social media
● Sports events
● Family environments
2.4.1 Each setting has specific norms and expectations that guide behaviour.
, 3. Social, Community and Society
3.1 Social
The term social refers to interactions between people.
3.1.1 These interactions can occur:
● Face-to-face
● Online (e.g., social media)
3.1.2 Social spaces allow people to:
● Share ideas
● Express opinions
● Form relationships
● Engage in cultural or political discussions.
3.2 Community
A community refers to the immediate environment where people live and interact regularly.
3.2.1 Communities influence:
● Social values
● Cultural practices
● Behavioural norms.
3.3 Society
Society refers to the larger social structure or nation in which communities exist.
3.3.1 Society shapes behaviour through:
● Laws
● Cultural traditions
● Social institutions
● Political systems.
4. Importance of Studying Social Psychology
Studying social psychology helps us understand why people behave the way they do in
social situations.
4.1 It is important because it allows psychologists to:
● Identify causes of behaviour
● Understand social problems
● Encourage positive behaviours
● Reduce harmful behaviours
4.2 Social psychology helps address social issues such as:
● Violence
● Prejudice
● Discrimination
● Aggression.
