The Archive - Psych 101
What is a Schema in Psychology?
Learn about schemas in psychology—mental frameworks that shape how we perceive and process information. Explore types of schemas, their role in memory, attention, and problem-solving, and their impact on social interactions and mental health.
Beyond Labels and Expectations: A Critical Look at Normative Determinism
Explore the concept of normative determinism, examines the scientific evidence supporting or refuting it, and discusses its implications for understanding human behaviour and societal dynamics.
The Psychology of Laughter: Evolutionary Roots and Social Impacts
Delve into the evolutionary origins of laughter, its psychological mechanisms and its profound social impacts.
The Power of Authority: Insights from Milgram's 1963 Experiment
Delve into the psychological mechanisms of Milgram's (1963) findings, and how subsequent research has expanded our understanding of these critical aspect of human behaviour
Attachment Theory Basics
Delve into the core concepts of attachment theory, examine different attachment styles, explore the implications for adult relationships, and review contemporary research findings.
What is Cognitive Dissonance? Understanding the Conflict Within
Discover the meaning of cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon causing mental discomfort from conflicting beliefs. Learn its definition, real-life examples, and how it influences decision-making, behaviour, and personal growth.
Diffusion of Responsibility
Explore the intricacies of diffusion of responsibility, discussing its psychological underpinnings, historical context, and real-world implications, and criticisms, while also offering strategies to mitigate its effects.
Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination: A Review of Gordon Allport's "The Nature of Prejudice" (1954)
Explore Gordon Allport’s The Nature of Prejudice (1954)—a landmark book on prejudice, discrimination, stereotypes, and intergroup relations. Learn how his Contact Hypothesis and psychological insights continue to shape social psychology today.
The Origins of Social Learning Theory
Explore Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory in this detailed guide. Learn about key concepts like observational learning, modelling, and self-efficacy, and discover how the theory has shaped psychology, education, healthcare, and more.
The Stanford Prison Experiment: A Case Study in Social Influence and Ethical Controversy
The Zimbardo prison experiment was a landmark study in social psychology, conducted by Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues at Stanford University in 1971. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of situational factors on human behaviour, by simulating a prison environment and assigning participants to the roles of either guards or prisoners.
What Was the Bobo Doll Experiment (1961)?
The Bobo Doll Experiment, conducted by Albert Bandura, Dorothea Ross, and Sheila A. Ross in 1961, remains one of the most influential studies in the history of social psychology. Discover the ground-breaking 1961 Bobo Doll Experiment by Bandura, which revealed how children learn aggression through observation. A cornerstone of social psychology.