14 Social Psychology

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Do we think and act differently when we're around other people?

WHAT IS SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY?

Social psychology examines how the thoughts, actions, and behaviour of individuals influence and are influenced by groups.

Social cognition focuses on the underlying processes, such as attention and memory, which make social behaviour possible. Biological structures and processes in the brain help us navigate our social environment.
The fusiform face area of the brain allows us to recognize faces.
The amygdala is involved in social category processing.
The superior temporal sulcus processes biological motions.
Mirror neurones in the inferior frontal gyrus help us feel empathy.

Through social pressure, social influence can lead people to conform, obey, and mimic others.
Social influence affects performance and plays a role in persuasion.

Fear and anger can affect social relations through prejudice, stereotyping, and conflict.
Self-conscious emotions such as guilt can lead to social repair.
Group relations can be improved through co-operation and altruism.