Social Psychology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Social Psychology explores the intricate ways individuals think, feel, and behave within social environments. This rigorous academic field investigates the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, group interactions, and the broader societal forces that shape human conduct. By combining empirical research with theoretical frameworks, students gain a deep understanding of how social contexts influence psychological processes.

• Social Learning Theory: Examines how individuals acquire behaviors, attitudes, and values through observation, imitation, and modeling of others in social settings.
• Group Theory and Dynamics: Analyzes the structure, processes, and outcomes of group interactions, including leadership, conformity, and collective decision-making.
• Sex Roles: Investigates societal expectations and behavioral norms associated with gender, and how these influence identity, relationships, and social roles.
• Social Cognition and Inference: Focuses on how people perceive, interpret, and make sense of social information and the mental processes underlying judgment and decision-making.
• Attribution Theory: Explores how individuals explain the causes of behavior in themselves and others, including tendencies toward internal versus external attributions.
• Attitude Formation: Studies the development, structure, and change of attitudes, including the role of persuasion, cognitive dissonance, and social influence.
• Criminal Behavior and Social Pathologies: Addresses the psychological and social roots of deviant behavior, including factors contributing to antisocial conduct and societal dysfunction.
• Altruistic Behavior: Investigates the motivations and conditions under which individuals engage in selfless actions that benefit others, often at personal cost.
• Social Development: Traces the evolution of social skills, identity formation, and interpersonal relationships across the lifespan.
• Social Ecology: Explores the interplay between individuals and their physical, cultural, and institutional environments, emphasizing context as a determinant of behavior.