social psychology
For the purpose of this essay, it will attempt to analyse some of the key differences between the views of experimental, humanistic/experiential and critical social psychologists. The essay will be looking at the three approaches key characteristics and some important ways in which they differ. For example, the kind of understanding should social psychology provide and how it should be applied, the question of whether people are autonomous or determined, topics to study in social psychology, which kind of science should social psychology be and which methods should be used. Further the essay will state and give examples of why I find the view of critical social psychologists most convincing. A conclusion will summarize the issues discussed with in this essay. As mentioned above, one key difference between the three approaches is the question of the kind of understanding social psychology should provide and how it should be applied. For example the experimental social psychologists, aim to understand the origins and consequences of people's mental processes. Further they suggest, that some social behaviour both internal and external to individuals has causal influences that are governed by laws. Therefore, according to this ap
Which should be discovered through controlled empirical studies, theories and testable hypotheses. For example, experimental social psychologist assumes that social behaviour is determined and looks for causes. ) Understanding The Self, Butler and Tanner Ltd, London. Further, I also agree with Richard Stevens (2001), who writes that topics to study in social psychology should be developing techniques to help people coping with existential issues and to discover new ways of relating to others. Further, the critical social psychology approach also suggests, that social psychology should be a moral science. The humanistic/experiential psychologist suggests that, the study should be on subjective experience and reflective awareness. Furthermore, the three approaches also differ in the selected topics to study within social psychology. Further, techniques such as phenomenological analyses should be developed and account from people's experiences should be collected. The methods, according to critical social psychology, should consist of analysis of material obtained from observation (including participant observation), interviews and record of naturally occurring events. (2000) " Introduction: making sense of the person in a social world" in Stevens R. The reason why I believe that existential issues should be considered in a social context is, that I would think, for example a single mother, would find it difficult to find the time and money to persuade personal growth and as also Margaret Wetherell (2001) writes "Human choices are structured and guided by the social materials that are available" (p.
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