Social area

Question 1

What are the 3 defining principles?

Answer 1

1. Human behaviour is influenced by the situation.
2. we can understand human behaviour in terms of influence by individuals and groups (the actual, the imagined, or the implied).
3. Research into situational/social explanations can help us understand social issues.

Question 2

What studies link to the social area?

Answer 2

1. Milgram
2. Bocchiaro
3. Levine
4. Piliavin

Question 3

Strengths of social area? (2)

Weakness of social area? (2)

Answer 3

STRENGTH
1. real-life relevance - supports understanding of social issues.
2. good range of research methods are used to support the social area.

WEAKNESSES
1. often raises ethical issues (socially sensitive).
2. social determinism - ignores individuals free will/responsibility for their actions.

Question 4

Applications? (2)

Answer 4

1. Obedience
2. Injustices

Question 5

What debates does the social area link to?

Answer 5

1. determinism
2. reductionist
3. scientific

Question 6

What may influence individuals behaviour? (3)

Answer 6

1. the environment/other people
2. relationships
3. social context