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