Our Perceptions & Self-Concepts: Reflected Appraisal & Social Comparison - Essay Sample

Introduction

The most significant piece of information that I have learned is that our perceptions and self-concepts are attributed to our social interactions. We can form self-concept via the reflected appraisal process, where we try to imagine how others view us (Hollin, 2016). Moreover, the social comparison process also helps us to form self-concepts. This is where we put considerations concerning how we compare with other individuals in our peer groups (Hollin, 2016). Sometimes we conduct upward and downward comparison by rating ourselves against individuals who are better off or less superior than we do in some way.

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How Learning of Classic and Contemporary Psychology Has Informed Me in Knowing the Real World Problems and Issues

Learning classic as well as contemporary psychology has helped me to appreciate the fact that psychology provides an explanation on the way different individuals behave the way they do. A psychologist may assist individuals to enhance their stress management and a decision by predicting future behaviors based on the understanding of the past behavior patterns (Myers & Twenge, 2014). All these aspects may enable individuals to have a better relationship, better communication, and self-confidence. This may, in turn, help in solving various world problems.

Trends in Social Psychology Research that Can Help Improve Social Welfare

The main trend in social psychology is in the interest of understanding why and how individuals act aggressively or engage in violence. Social psychology research investigates various factors that may trigger aggression, including media influences and social variables (Myers & Twenge, 2014). This trend helps researchers to learn the function of social learning in generating aggressive actions and behaviors.

How Social Psychology Research Can Impact on Social Change

Research on social psychology has a significant impact on social change. This is because social psychology acts as a link between social transformations and changes in the mind of an individual (Myers & Twenge, 2014). Moreover, social psychology focuses on how an individual thinks of one another as opposed to the group processes that generate the spread of emotional attitude and concepts across various levels of societies. This thus shows that social psychology has a significant impact on social change.

Ethical Issues that Researches Need to Consider in the Design of New Studies to Impact the Society Positively

Various procedures need to be considered while designing a new study that has a direct influence on society. The society subject in the area of study needs to be informed concerning the nature of research, and one needs to get consent before their participation in the study (Myers & Twenge, 2014). Ethically, the respondents in the research study need to sign a consent letter to show that they have agreed to participate in the research upon reading the letter. This helps in reducing conflicts hence helping in coming up with a study that impact positively in the society.

Follow-Up Post

Social psychology deals with the way social influence impacts people's thinking, feeling, as well as action. The way individuals perceive themselves concerning the rest of the world plays a pivotal role in their way of behaviors, choices, and beliefs (Hollin, 2016). On the contrary, other peoples' opinions also have a significant impact on one's behavior as well as the way people may view themselves.

Social psychology bears a broader subject matter. Besides its practical applicability, social psychology acts as a vast source of knowledge. Social psychology covers a wide spectrum of knowledge that is very significant for researchers, scholars, and development communities (Myers & Twenge, 2014). Some of these areas consist of behaviors, perception, cognition, leadership, motivation, attitude, social interactions, personality development, as well as group dynamics. Research, therefore, remains the hallmark of social psychology and is responsible for producing updated and reliable knowledge. The knowledge that is produced acts as a basis for solving different psychological issues as well as understanding various psychological trends (Myers & Twenge, 2014). The theories also assist in coming up with various solutions to most problems that people may face in their daily lives hence impacting positively on society. The learning of social psychology has, therefore, made to change my view and embrace the exchange of information with my classmates as this provides me the opportunity to understand their attitude and view about certain aspects of life.

Conclusion

Conclusively, social psychology plays a vital role in individuals' lives. Social psychology focuses on how an individual thinks of one another as opposed to the group processes that generate the spread of emotional attitude and concepts across various levels of societies. This helps in finding solutions to various problems and hence helps in coming up with a peaceful society.

References

Hollin, C. (2016). Contemporary psychology series (London, England) (1st ed., p. 270). London: Taylor & Francis.

Myers, D., & Twenge, J. (2014). Social psychology (1st ed., p. 768). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.