Social Psychology - Psychology Definition of the Week

Definition: Have you ever wondered why people act differently in groups, what makes a great leader or what causes prejudice? Social psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on topics such as group behavior, leadership, aggression prejudice, conformity and obedience. Psychologist Gordon Allport once described social psychology as a field that utilizes scientific methods "to understand and explain how the thought, feeling and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of other human beings."

Learn more about the history of social psychology and how it differs from other disciplines in this brief overview of social psychology.

Want to learn more about social psychology?

• The Bystander Effect
• The Milgram Obedience Experiment
• Persuasion Techniques