Theoretical Perspectives in Social Psychology

This document will help you in understanding the Theoretical Perspectives in Social Psychology

Cognitive processes: Are mental activities, which include perception, memory, judgment, problem solving, and decision making.
Cognitive structure: Refers broadly to any form of organization among cognitions (concepts and beliefs).
Schemas: They are specific cognitive structures used to make sense of complex information about other persons, groups, and situations. The term schema is derived from the Greek word for ‘form’, and it refers to the form or basic sketch of what we know about people and things.
The principle of cognitive consistency: This principle maintains that individuals strive to hold ideas that are consistent or congruent with one another, rather than ideas that are inconsistent or incongruent.
Identity: It is the individual’s understanding of who he or she is.
Significant others: The persons whose opinions one cares the most about
Evolutionary psychology: locates the roots of social behavior in our genes and, therefore, intimately links psychological and social to the biological.