SOCPSY 1Z03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Role Theory, Circular Reasoning, Human Nature

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Social Psychology
• Course: SOCPSY 1Z03
• Professor: Paul Glavin

Document Summary

General explanations for a wide array of social behaviours in a variety of situations. Provide a frame of reference for interpreting and comparing a wide range of social situations and behaviours. Social psychology investigates the five following theoretical perspectives: Much of observable social behaviour is people carrying out their roles, similar to actors performing on a stage. According to role theory, to change a person"s behaviour, it is necessary to change or redefine his or her role the a. People spend much of their lives participating in groups and organizations. Within these groups, people occupy distinct positions. Each of these positions entails a role, which is a set of functions performed by person for the group. Groups formalize these expectations as norms, which are rules specifying how person should. Individuals usually carry out their roles and perform according to the norms. Group members check each individual"s performance to determine whether it conforms to the group"s norms behave.