Social psychology (sociology)

About: Social psychology (sociology) is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 18151 publications have been published within this topic receiving 907731 citations. The topic is also known as: Social psychology & sociological social psychology.

The practical theorist: The life and work of Kurt Lewin.

Abstract: of Kurt Lewin. By Alfred J Marrow, PhD. Price, $8.50. Pp 228. Basic Books Inc Publishers, 404 Park Ave S, New York 10016, 1969. The publication of a book on the life and work of Kurt Lewin occasions the hope that his influence may begin to reach a general audience. As Alfred Marrow, Lewin's friend and biographer, points out, the large areas of endeavor in contemporary psychology that Lewin originated have spread far more broadly than his name. What also impresses the concerned observer is the absence of Lewin's spirit from a great deal that is termed group dynamics, field theoretical work, action research, sensitivity training, etc. Fascination with group process is not always accompanied by effort at conceptualization; esoteric diagrams and formulae of evident Lewinian ancestory often sadly lack Lewin's sense for life. Much of the current furor for social change seeks Lewin's impact without sharing his theoretical overview. A presentation of Lewin to the public is much to be desired. Yet even the reader who is predisposed to accept the statement from Tolman with which Marrow begins his preface, "Freud the clinician and Lewin the experimentalist\p=m-\theseare the two men whose names will stand out before all others in the history of our psychological era," may finish this book mystified as to the nature of Lewin's scientific achievement. He may

Social support networks and school outcomes: The centrality of the teacher.

Abstract: This investigation compares school outcomes for students who differ in the extent to which they perceive their parents, friends, and teachers—each alone and in combination—as important sources of social support. Findings indicate that middle and high school students who perceive high supportiveness from all three sources of support, as opposed to none, one, or two, have better attendance; spend more hours studying; avoid problem behavior more; have higher school satisfaction, engagement, and self-efficacy; and obtain better grades. Positive school outcomes are promoted when teacher support is perceived in combination with perceived support from parents and friends. Implications of the results for human service providers are presented.

Sociological Theory and Social Control

Abstract: In the origins of sociology, "social control" served as a central concept both for relating sociology to social philosophy and for analyzing total societies. In its classical sense, it referred to the capacity of a social group to regulate itself. The concept supplied a basis for integration of theory and research until the 1930s. While the traditional usage of social control has persisted, the term has been redefined to mean either socialization or social repression. Either the classical meaning must be utilized or a new term must be developed to refer to the capacity of social groups to effect self-regulation if theory and research are to deal with macrosociology under advanced industrialism.

Political diversity will improve social psychological science.

Abstract: Psychologists have demonstrated the value of diversity--particularly diversity of viewpoints--for enhancing creativity, discovery, and problem solving. But one key type of viewpoint diversity is lacking in academic psychology in general and social psychology in particular: political diversity. This article reviews the available evidence and finds support for four claims: (1) Academic psychology once had considerable political diversity, but has lost nearly all of it in the last 50 years. (2) This lack of political diversity can undermine the validity of social psychological science via mechanisms such as the embedding of liberal values into research questions and methods, steering researchers away from important but politically unpalatable research topics, and producing conclusions that mischaracterize liberals and conservatives alike. (3) Increased political diversity would improve social psychological science by reducing the impact of bias mechanisms such as confirmation bias, and by empowering dissenting minorities to improve the quality of the majority's thinking. (4) The underrepresentation of non-liberals in social psychology is most likely due to a combination of self-selection, hostile climate, and discrimination. We close with recommendations for increasing political diversity in social psychology.