Psychology vs Social Psychology
Psychology and Social Psychology are two distinct fields with some differences between them. While psychology is the broader discipline which includes numerous sub-disciplines, social psychology is one of these sub-disciplines. Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behavior, encompassing a range of sub-disciplines such as personality psychology, positive psychology, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. In contrast, social psychology is the scientific study that focuses on the impact of societal factors on the individual. The primary difference between psychology and social psychology is that while psychology covers a wide array of aspects of human life, social psychology specifically concentrates on the social influences on the individual.
Key Takeaways
- Psychology is a broad discipline that encompasses the study of the human mind and behavior, while social psychology is a sub-discipline that specifically focuses on the impact of societal factors on the individual.
- Psychology has its roots in medicine and philosophy and covers various aspects of human life, including social interactions, individual personality, abnormalities, education, and human development.
- Social psychology explores a range of topics such as group dynamics, prejudice and stereotypes, obedience and conformity, leadership, and aggression, with a focus on understanding the influence of society on the individual and its nature.