Social Psychology

The primary difference between psychology and other similar disciplines (e.g., philosophy, sociology, andanthropology) is that it generally focuses on individuals. This is in contrast to, for example, sociology, which focuses more on group behavior and society, or biology, which focuses on physiological processes. Nevertheless, there is often interdisciplinary overlap (e.g., between social psychology and sociology). A burgeoning trend is to investigate the neurological causes of thought and behavior, creating considerable overlap between some areas of psychology and neuroscience (e.g., cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, and social cognitive neuroscience).

Within the last century a large number of the sub-fields in psychology have embraced a more rigorous application of the scientific method than its sister disciplines. However, this is starting to change as the influence of cultural anthropology and arm-chair theorizing in sociology wane. Several major sub-disciplines in psychology (particularly on the clinical end of the spectrum) still continue to steadfastly ignore empirical, controlled, studies.

Social psychology deals with social issues, those items that are caused by societyand not by individuals. The idea that a person has learned a behavior based on their family is not considered social psychology. Rather things that are wide-spread likeunemployment, gender and racial disparities, and angry hate speech are all social psychology interests.

I have seen social psychology topics that involve legalizing marijuana as well as those who are depressed based on the current economy. Any number of behaviors that are sparked because of a very public topic are interesting to social psychologists.

Of course, like with any science, social psychology is up to the bearer of the information, their studies, and even (they'll deny this) their own bias. After all, if someone wishes to prove that marijuana is harmful and should not be smoked by anyone, then they will make sure that their data shows more that side of the issue than anything that would prove it to be harmless.

I just completed a social psychology class and I was quite surprised by what I learned on racism. It seems that many social psychologists claim "white people" are the "perpetrators" of microagressions which are simply ignorant remarks that could offend another person. The "white person'' is unaware that their statement is offensive, they do not mean to be offending, but the other person takes what they said in the wrong way. For example: "I sure wish I had a natural tan like you." would be considered a microagression by psychologists.

Personality psychology deals with the individual, how they behave and how to get them to properly assimilate into the society or organization that they need to work within. A personality psychologist would be