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We are social animals
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What social psychologists study
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Core principles in social psychology

The following core principles underlie a wide range of social behavior
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Daily Princetonian “This observer has never seen quite such a disgusting exhibition of so-called “sport”…the blame must be laid squarely on Dartmouth’s doorstep. Princeton, obviously the better team, had no reason to rough up Dartmouth. Looking at the situation rationally, we don’t see why the Indians should make a deliberate attempt to cripple Dick Kazmaier and other Princeton players.” (cf. Hastorf & Cantril, 1954, p.29)
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Hurriedness affected helping, while participants’ religiosity did not. (Darley & Batson, 1973)
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Experimenter placed a colored participant number on an anagram test (sample anagram: NIDRK; solution: DRINK) (Study 1. Elliot et al., 2007)
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Hastorf & Cantril (1954) “The ‘same’ sensory impingements emanating from the football field, transmitted through the visual apparatus of the brain…obviously gave rise to different experiences in different people…whether the ‘thing’ is a football game, a presidential candidate, Communism, or spinach.” (pp.132133)
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Truths or myths?

In romantic relationships, opposites tend to attract Most people use only 10% of their brainpower Expressing anger is a good way of tamping down aggression Older people are less happy than younger people
Physical warmth ~> Interpersonal warmth
Participants who briefly held a cup of hot (versus iced) coffee judged a target person as having a “warmer” personality (generous, caring) (Study 1. Williams & Bargh, 2008) 15

Correlational research Experimental research Research ethics
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What is social psychology?

Gordon Allport

The scientific study of the way in which individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people.
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Power of situation
Seemingly trivial situational forces often have a greater impact on behavior than do personality that we often mistakenly regard as influential.
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Fast food ~> Impatience
Participants consciously exposed to fast food logos like time-saving products (e.g., 2-in-1 shampoo, 3-in-1 skin care) more (Study 2. Zhong & DeVoe, 2010)
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David Myers

The scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another.
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Unifying themes

Method: scientific method Scope: people’s thoughts, feelings and behavior Condition: the presence of other people
SSMA504 Understanding Human Behavior
Introduction & research methods
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1. 2. 3.
What is social psychology? Core principles in social psychology Scientific method
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Fast food ~> Impatience
Participants unconsciously presented with fast food logos read faster even when they were under no time pressure (Study 1. Zhong & DeVoe, 2010)
Physical warmth ~> Interpersonal warmth
Participants holding a hot (versus cold) therapeutic pad were more likely to choose a gift for a friend instead of for themselves (Study 2. Williams & Bargh, 2008)
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Dartmouth “As a relatively unprotected passing and running star in a contact sport, he is quite liable to injury. Also, his particular injuries—a broken nose and slight concussion—were no more serious than is experienced almost any day in any football practice…Up to the Princeton game, Dartmou0 known nose fractures and face injuries, not to mention several slight concussions.” (cf. Hastorf & Cantril, 1954, p.29)
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Angels or devils? Physical reality is constructed.
Social reality is also constructed.
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Princeton Tigers vs. Dartmouth Indians football game
Crowd of fans in stands at PrincetonDartmouth football game After the game in November, 1951…

Empiricism: emphasis on data
“Data! Data! Data! I can make no bricks without clay!” ~ Sherlock Holmes in The Adventure of the Copper Beeches
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Psychology as a science
1. “Oh, you’re late. They were expecting you a few minutes ago. The assistant should be waiting for you so you’d better hurry.” 2. “…The assistant is ready for you, so please go right over.” 3. “It’ll be a few minutes before they’re ready for you, but you might as well head on over. If you have to wait over there it shouldn’t be long.” (Darley & Batson, 1973)