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Approaches to Social Psychology - Essay Example

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There are three general mechanisms by which learning happens. One of them is classical conditioning or association the other learning mechanism is reinforcement and…

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Subject: Psychology
Type: Essay
Level: Masters
Pages: 1 (250 words)
Downloads: 2
Author: bergebeth

Extract of sample "Approaches to Social Psychology"

Grade: THEORIES OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY Motivational theories The main idea is that circumstances can create or stimulate needsthat, in turn, lead people to engage in behaviors, to reduce those needs.Learning theories The core idea in learning theories is that the peoples’ current behavior is determined by their experience. There are three general mechanisms by which learning happens. One of them is classical conditioning or association the other learning mechanism is reinforcement and observational learning (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006).

Cognitive theories This stress that a person’s actions depends on the way he or she perceives the social situation. Social cognitive researcher attempt to explain how people feel, what people they are, what they aspire and so on. Decisions making theories They suppose that individuals assess the costs and benefits of different actions and pick the best option in a fairly rational, reasoned way (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006). A choice that gives the best reward and the least costs are taken.

Interdependence theories They transfer the focus of analysis from the conduct of one individual to the conduct of two or more persons. Interdependence means that the result one individual receives depends in part on the conduct of the other and vise versa.Social cultural theories Culture is the shared values, beliefs, traditions and behavior patterns of groups. Culture is taught by one generation to the next through a process known as socialization. Socialization influences the individual’s behavior (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, 2006).

Looting of shops or homes after a natural disaster This can be explained by cognitive theories that people are behaving according to the social situation. In this situation, there is unrest. Decision making theory would explain this as a choice that gives the most reward and the least cost (Taylor, Peplau, & Sears 2006).ReferencesTaylor, S.E., Peplau, L.A., & Sears, D.O. (2006). Social psychology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

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