Experimental Social Psychology - Strengths and Weaknesses

Outline the main features of experimental social psychology and consider the influences that led to its emergence. What do you think are its strengths and weaknesses? Psychology was originally a branch of Philosopy, according to Hollway (2007). As more emphasis was placed on following scientific methods and principles, psychologists began using laboratory experiments to carry out research into individual behaviours. Experiments were considered to be more objective when considering individuals within the social world. Researchers were able to separate different situations that occurred in natural settings in an attempt to replicate particular aspects in a laboratory environment. One of the earliest examples of contemporary social†¦show more content†¦However, this objectivity is brought into question when researchers interpretations of results (as shown above) can differ. Also, by Milgram ignoring the level of disobedience, this area of the study was rendered invisible. A key criterion of experimentation involves the participants being blind to the manipulation of variables. This prevents prior knowledge affecting the results. Although in some cases this involves deception, Professor Haslem points out most experimental social psychologists accept this as necessary if there is a strong scientific case for the research and providing the participants are not subjected to enduring harm. The introduction of strict research ethics meant that cognitive social psychologists must follow strict guidelines when designing research studies, which included ensuring the safety of their participants. However, in the 1960’s and 1970’s scientific knowledge was the most important consideration and researchers were given a free hand, which meant there were no adequate measures to protect the well-being of the participants. In Milgram’s words ‘before you do the experiment, you don’t know whether there will be stress (Milgram 1977, p .97 cited by Hollway, 2007). The research carried out during those two decades has to be considered in terms of its situatedness. The use of deception can in certainShow MoreRelatedThe Strengths and Weaknesses of the Scientist Practioner Approach1241 Words   |  5 PagesThe Strengths and Weaknesses of the Scientist – Practioner Approach The scientist-practitioner model was a term coined within the realm of American psychology. A conference held in Boulder, Colorado in 1949 concluded that clinical psychologists should be incorporating both a scientific and practical approach within their framework and training model. In his applied scientific theory, Shappiro (1985) viewed research and practice as being integrated, not dichotomised. He outlined the three featuresRead MoreOne of the Main Divisions Between Mainstream and Critical Social Psychology Is That of the Methods Adopted. 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Pro Immigration Essay - 1121 Words

Pro Immigration We live in the age where scandalous and controversial topics cover the news headlines. Such subject matters as homosexuality, A.I.D.S, and abortion are fiercely debated upon. Sides are always taken, with the conservatives battling the liberals. One such argument that has always been debated upon since the founding of this nation has been immigration. The fact that it has been argued over for so long makes it seem ironic. A country founded by immigrants perpetually arguing over immigration. The basis of this dispute runs deep and that is what will be discussed in this following paper. Anti-immigrant sentiments have been circulating since the Alien Act of June 25, 1798 . The Act was the first federal†¦show more content†¦With the incoming immigrants they do take away jobs that could have been taken by Americans. But most of the jobs that some of the immigrants take are the unwanted ones. The incoming immigrants also overcrowd the cities and start to overpopulate in the States in Taking Sides they state that approximately fifteen to eighteen million are expected to arrive in the states within the next ten years . Another valid point is that with the arrival of so many different types of people that we lose a sense of nationality. Every race starts to clique together and tries to shut out the rest of the neighboring societies. But that was similar of past races, its just a matter of time. The biggest immigration problem is illegal or undocumented immigrants. They arrive on great numbers (though less than half of all of the immigrants arriving in America). The only problem with curbing the numbers of illegal immigrants is it is often difficult to put a control on them. The pro-immigration stance on the arrival of settlers from abroad mostly take what the anti-immigrant stand says and rationale it out. 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Why should You Care free essay sample

Xavier Davis-Bilbo was like any other 5 year old boy. He loved to be out running around and even had a dream to play football when he grew up. Xavier would never reach that goal. In October of 2010, the 5 year old boy was struck by a car while crossing the street with his 13 year old sister Like every other day on the way home from school. It would not be like every other day for the Davis-Bilbo family. A woman, who was distracted on her phone, blew through a stop sign, striking Xavier and ragging him 20 feet.Xavier Is now paralyzed from the diaphragm down; he has lost his left lung and only has partial use of his hands since the accident. The text that changed this family life forever was Im on my way. A simple text that could have waited until she was pulled over, but she didnt. We will write a custom essay sample on Why should You Care? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Davis- Bilbo family cannot even have regular family outings anymore because of this Incident. My question for you as a driver is- is it worth the risk?For someone who texts while driving, they usually think that getting in a wreck will never happen to them, but there is always that risk. When you drive distracted you are putting everyone in danger around you: its not if it will happen to you, its when. If you drive distracted now, it is highly encouraged that you take a pledge to not. Whether it be an official pledge online or just a note to self to not put yourself in danger, do not drive distracted.