Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. It examines topics such as how people see themselves and others, what determines decision-making and attraction, the causes of racism and how to reduce it, when and why people help others, what causes aggression and how to reduce it, how persuasion works, and how to increase self-control. Social psychology focuses on the interaction between a person and their social situation, and how situations strongly shape thoughts, attitudes, emotions, and behavior. It also examines how people are both cultural animals and have competing selfish and social impulses, as well as automatic and conscious thought processes that construct our reality.

1. What is Social Psychology?

4. Sociology and Marriage

5. Biological Psychology and Marriage

6. Clinical Psychology and Marriage

7. Cognitive Psychology and Marriage

8. Developmental Psychology and Marriage

9. Personality and Marriage

13. How do we see ourselves and relate to others?

14. Why do we make the decisions we do?

15. What determines who we are attracted to?

17. What determines when and who we help? Is there such a thing as true altruism?

20. How can we increase self-control?

21. Contemporary Social Issues

30. Next class: Research Methods