Understanding Social Facilitation in Psychology
Social facilitation is a psychological phenomenon where the presence of others boosts performance. Explore how this effect influences behavior in both everyday situations and controlled environments.
Situational Leadership Theory: Why Great Leaders Adapt Styles
Situational leadership theory argues that there’s no single best way to lead; instead, the most effective leaders adjust their approach based on their team’s needs and the task at hand. Discover how this flexible style is redefining leadership success.
Group Norms: 25 Examples and Their Impact
Group norms are a set of rules and expectations that lay out how members of a group are expected to behave. These norms can be either informal (unwritten) or formal (written).
Social Clock: How Society’s Timelines Create Pressure
A social clock is a cultural timetable of societal expectations for when certain goals should be met at different stages of life.
Asch Conformity Experiments: Line Study
Exploring how social pressure influences our decisions and perceptions.
What Is Prosocial Behavior? Meaning and Examples
Prosocial behavior involves actions that are designed to help other people or to benefit society as a whole. Examples of prosocial behaviors include being kind, comforting, generous, or helpful. When people engage in prosocial behaviors, they often do so because they are concerned, compassionate, and empathetic. They want to ensure others have what they need,…
What Is the Ingroup Bias? Definition and Examples
The ingroup bias, also known as in-group favoritism, is the tendency of people to favor their own group above that of others. It causes people to give preferences and privileges to members of their own group while often excluding those from other groups. This bias can have a powerful influence on both individual and group…
4 Key Transformational Leadership Characteristics
Transformational leadership is a leadership style where leaders inspire and motivate their followers to exceed their own self-interests for the good of the organization or a greater cause. This approach involves creating a vision, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, and encouraging personal and professional growth. Key transformational leadership characteristics that help these leaders…
Verbal Communication: Understanding the Power of Words
As human beings, we rely on communication to express our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Verbal communication, in particular, involves using words to convey a message to another person. It is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and is crucial in our daily lives and relationships. In this article, we will explore the importance of verbal…
6 Social Psychology Topics to Explore
Here’s why understanding social influences can provide greater insights into how people think, act, and feel in response to others.
Laissez-Faire Leadership Advantages and Disadvantages
Laissez-faire leadership advantages and disadvantages can determine whether this leadership style is effective or not. The advantages of laissez-faire leadership include empowering team members and fostering creativity. The disadvantages can include lower productivity and the potential for confusion. Have you ever had a boss who took a hands-off approach? Who let team members take the…
Autocratic Leadership Characteristics and Effects
Autocratic leadership involves the leader taking complete control, not accepting input, and expecting others to follow without question.
What Is the Democratic Leadership Style?
Democratic leadership relies on group participation. Learn why this style can be so effective.
What Is Conformity? Definition and Examples
Conformity involves changing your behavior to align with other people’s behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes. People often conform to blend in with others in their social group. It is a type of social influence that compels people to behave in ways seen as “normal” for that specific group. Researchers define conformity as “aligning one’s attitude, opinion…
Examples of Nonverbal Communication and How to Use Them
Nonverbal communication is vital in how we share things with others and understand what others are trying to say. Communication is essential for successful interpersonal relationships, but it isn’t just the words you say that speak volumes. Your nonverbal signals—including body language and facial expressions—are forms of nonverbal communication that can carry much meaning. In…
Great Leadership Traits: What Makes a Leader Effective?
Discover how personality traits, learned skills, and situational awareness combine to create exceptional leaders in today’s complex business environment.
The Robbers Cave Experiment: Realistic Conflict Theory
Psychologist Muzafer Sherif suggested that conflict between groups was the result of competition for limited resources. To put this theory to the test, he conducted a series of experiments that are today referred to as the Robbers Cave Experiment. In this article, learn more about what happened in the Robbers Cave Experiment and the conclusions…
5 Main Styles of Leadership
Styles of leadership involves how a person governs, directs, and motivates followers. Researchers have proposed several different types of leadership styles over the last 50 or so years. Leaders often utilize such styles in business, politics, technology, and other major fields. Psychologists have found that leadership styles can have a meaningful impact on how well…
Who Was Kitty Genovese?
Kitty Genovese was a woman murdered outside her Queens, New York apartment in 1964. False reports initially suggested that neighbors had witnessed the crime yet failed to report what they saw. The case captured the public’s attention and the interest of psychology researchers, who coined the term “bystander effect” to explain why people are less…
Scarcity Principle Definition and Examples
The scarcity principle is a psychological phenomenon where people perceive items or opportunities as more valuable when they are limited in availability. This principle suggests that scarcity creates a sense of urgency or desire, leading individuals to place higher value on scarce resources or opportunities compared to abundant ones. Essentially, people have a tendency to…