Varieties of Social Psychology: Bridging the Gap

Abstract

~f7What makes a good introductory course in social psychology? Developing a course in social psychology has no pat solution, because the number and variety of approaches in social psychology not only defy description, they even defy cataloging. However, there are two basic formulas-psychological and sociological. These formulas differ in the theories utilized, the type of studies conducted, and the research methods used. In the psychological formula, the set of theories ranges from reinforcement to cognitive consistency (e.g., cognitive dissonance and attribution theories). Studies generally focus on individual response to group situations, predicting when an individual will conform to the group or when an individual will intervene in an emergency situation. The methods are traditionally experimental, primarily laboratory studies. In sharp contrast, the sociological approach is characterized by theoretical approaches that consider social, organizational and social process, often at the cultural level. Though symbolic interaction is the theory most commonly used, a wide range of theories narrower in scope, such as role theory, are often investigated. Group effects, rather than individual response, serve as the major topics of research. Studies typically