1. Chapter 1: Intro to Social Psychology
Part 1: Thurs. Jan. 19
(Basic Outline only)

2. Social Psych and Other Fields
Little overlap with clinical psych
Differences?
Personality Psych – a good amount of overlap with social psy
How do they differ?

3. Cognitive psych – good amount of overlap
Subfield of social cognition
Sociology - different level of analysis and research methods
How do they differ?

4. Is this different from common sense?
Common sense relied on explanations after the fact –hindsight
Some social psych findings appear counterintuitive
Examples?
Social psych uses theories to make predictions (hypotheses)
What are theories?

5. History of Social Psych
Early years: 1880s-1920s
Earliest finding related to social performance?
Rise of research: 1930s-1950s
Influence of the wars
Expansion: 1960s and 70s

6. Pluralism: 70s-90s
What was examined?
Current era’s important influences –
Social cognition
Evolution
Cultural influences
Technology

7. Virtual Environment Research
Immersive VE research
Advantages for social psych?
Stanford Univ. example – recycling behavior:

8. Examples from Jim Blascovich’s research group:
Risk-taking and conformity:
Casino research – what does he examine?
Immersive violent video games:
What outcomes are assessed?
Eyewitness testimony:
Recreations of crimes –
Lineups -

9. Social Psychology and Values
Our values influence our research.
Our choice of research topics
Our observations of people
Where is most social psych research done?
Influence on theory development?

10. Application – video on American approach to healing after trauma
Ethan Watters “Crazy Like Us”
Experience in Sri Lanka – differences in coping?