PSYB70H3 Lecture 1: Textbook Notes
Document Summary
Chapter 1 introducing the science and methods of social psychology. Social neuroscience integration of biological & social perspectives; explores neural & psychological bases of social and emotional behaviors. Research topic choices reflect social history (crime, sexism, conformity) Naturalistic fallacy error of defining what is good in terms of what is observable (typical = normal; normal = good) Criticisms of social psychology: trivial documents the obvious, dangerous findings could be used to manipulate people. Wealth associated with happiness only in poor countries (after securing basic needs, not as important anymore) Hindsight bias = i knew it all along phenomenon tendency to exaggerate one"s ability to foresee an outcome (after learning what it is) Theory = integrated set of principles that explain & predict observed events. Hypothesis = testable proposition; explains relationships that may exist between events: operationalization of variables. Field research research done in natural, real-life settings outside the laboratory.
