Social Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Social Psychology - Essay Example his subject that the author of this paper was able to obtain a clearer understanding of the aggressive dimension of self and individuals within our sphere. Furthermore, social psychology bridges the gap between sociology and psychology. Hence, this subject holds great intrigue for this writer particularly because of the dynamic new knowledge it explores in its synthesis yet separate sociological and psychological dimensions. In essence social psychology is a 20th Century phenomenon. The authors of the article, Social psychology insists that perhaps the most influential thought in social psychology was Herbert Spencer, who was known for expounding on Darwin’s biological theory. They believe Spencer coined the phrase â€Å"survival of the fittest†. The authors assert that sociologists such as Edward Ross and others like him initiated social psychology within sociology. Simultaneously, they observed that psychologists such as J. Mark Baldwin and William McDougall began to investigate social psychology. Consequently, this merging of psychologists and sociologists fuelled an explosion in research in the field of social psychology. (Social psychology: once overlooked, now a staple) Aspelmeier proposes three major landmarks in the development of this field. First, in 1898, the first social psychology experiment was conducted by Norm Triplett’s on the phenomenon of social facilitation studies. The second landmark was the publication of the first textbook in this field by McDougal in 1908 and third, the influence of Hitler and World War 11. This era saw a migration of European psychologists to other countries; specifically it brought gestalt psychologists to America. Kurt Lewin, who is sometimes called the father of social psychology, was one such psychologist. This exodus from the Nazi rule sparked much research into authority figures, group dynamics, prejudice and aggression. In addition, the U.S. military utilized these social psychologists for needed research in

Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Innovation - Essay Example As an enabler of social, personal, business and information sharing interaction, Internet has had far reaching effects on the societies and individuals across the world. Previously unimagined, Internet has allowed people to have instant online access to information including news, education, and entertainment as well as allowed communication through email. While this facility has had a notable effect on individual lives and how we communicate and do business, the real societal changes lie elsewhere. The Internet has allowed democratisation of information where individuals and communities can now become producers in addition to being consumers of information. Domains like journalism and art, which were limited to mainstream and traditional spheres of influence, have opened up to individuals who can express and create their own identity and personal following. Social networking sites like Facebook and Youtube have given rise to new online relationships. While some of these never result in face to face contact in person, the phenomenon has enabled connections across geographical and cultural divides based on personal preferences, interest groups and vocational interests. Several social support groups have sprung up on the webs which have particularly helped those who are either shy or unable to be part of physical groups. The ability to be anonymous on the web is an advantage here. Finally, the Internet has increasingly become home for civic and political advocacy (Lin & Atkin, 20 07: p. 184). President Obama’s presidential campaign depended heavily on the Internet, for example. Tyler noted that there was nothing new about the Internet and that it merely allowed â€Å"new ways of doing old things† and did not have a social impact (Tyler, 2002). So, in essence, are the benefits or pitfalls caused by Internet indistinguishable from those we already know of? Perhaps the answer is not that