What is Social Psychology?

Social psychology (social psychology) refers to the study of the psychological and behavioral occurrence and change of individuals and groups in social interactions. Social psychology explores interpersonal relationships at the individual and social group level. The research content at the individual level includes: individual socialization process, communication, speech development, partners, family and living environment, and the impact of school on individuals. The research contents at the level of social groups are: group communication structure, group norms, attitudes, racial prejudice and aggressive behaviors, customs and culture. ^[1]

Looking back at the development of Western social psychology, we can roughly divide it into several stages:

1. Germination and birth of Western social psychology (late 19th century to early 20th century)

In 1908, American sociologist Ross' "Social Psychology" and British psychologist McDougall's "Introduction to Social Psychology" ^[2]

Social psychology is a major branch of psychology. It studies the psychological issues related to society.

From the perspective of research fields, social psychology research is often divided into three fields, which cover almost all issues of social psychology research.

Since the birth of social psychology, the social psychology of sociology represented by Ross and the social psychology of psychology represented by Mai Dugu have respectively represented two different research orientations, and cultural anthropology has subsequently appeared Social psychology, etc. Different research orientations of social psychology have different basic characteristics. Psychologically oriented social psychology attempts to obtain an explanation of human social behavior from the personality structure of individuals, emphasizing

(A) the principle of value neutrality

Researchers must adopt a scientific attitude of seeking truth from facts, and must not distort and speculate on objective facts. It is necessary to objectively describe the comprehensive information about the problem and the conclusions obtained after the analysis of these materials, regardless of whether these materials and conclusions conflict with or contradict the values of the research subject, others, or society.

In the study of social psychology, researchers are always guided by certain theories and based on certain assumptions, and their personal likes and dislikes and their own value orientation may affect the research. Therefore, the research of social psychology should uphold the value neutral stand, minimize the negative impact of subjective factors, and make the research objective and fair.

The principle of value neutrality is also important in the process of psychological counseling, because with a predetermined position and "colored glasses", it is not only difficult for the consultant to accurately analyze the problem of the helper, but it is also not good for the consultant to grasp their own psychological state. Of course, complete neutrality is difficult to achieve, and the consultant's past experience will affect the consulting process to some extent. Counselors should actively intervene and guide some anti-social values and some values that cause psychological obstacles.

(Two) systemic principles

Social behavior and psychosocial phenomena exist in a system, and there are reasons for their occurrence and change. The systemic principle requires that not only the research object be included in the system for investigation, but also a systematic method for research.

1. Stereotypes We tend to have a generalized and fixed view of a group.

2. The causal effect is the first impression that is often said. If a bad impression is left at the beginning, it will have a lasting adverse effect on subsequent interpersonal communication.

3. Halo effect We easily generalize a certain feature of an object to form an overall impression. It is often said that when one aspect is found to be good, the other aspects are considered good.