Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people. Social psychologists conduct research on topics like relationships, social influence, groups, and prosocial behavior. They collaborate with others, develop research ideas and methods, analyze data, communicate results, and apply for grants. A Ph.D. is generally required to specialize in social psychology. Employment opportunities exist in academia, private sector organizations, government, and non-profits. The most rewarding aspect of the field is its creativity and focus on topics of personal interest, while the biggest drawback is the heavy workload.

1. Social Psychology
PPT –BY
Rakesh Roshan
DIViSION - E1

2. What is the definition of Social Psychology?
 Scientific study of how individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviors are
affected by other people
 Focused on how people think about others, influence others, and relate to
one another

3.  Sample of topics in Social Psychology
 Relationships
 Social Influence/Persuasion
 Group processes
 Prosocial behavior
What is the definition of Social Psychology?

4. What are the activities in which Social
Psychologists engage?
 Research-oriented field
 Research process
Collaborate with others
Come up with research ideas
Create methods for testing research questions/hypotheses
Data analysis
Communicate results
 Apply for grants
 Mentor research assistants

5. What types of organizations or businesses
employ Social Psychologists?
 Universities
 Researcher
 Teaching
 Marketing firms
 Consulting
 Government
 Non-profit organizations

6. How much graduate training is needed to
become a Social Psychologist?
 To specialize in social psychology a Ph.D. is generally necessary
 Few master’s programs specific to social psychology
 Ph.D. programs
 Heavily research oriented
 Some classes
 Also likely to teach
 Often funded by school or research grants

7. Are certifications or additional training needed
to become a Social Psychologist?
 No additional training required
 However, some may do a post-doctoral program to be more competitive

8. How good are employment opportunities
for Social Psychologists?
 Employment opportunities in academia very limited
 Less full-time, tenure track jobs
 However, growing number of jobs outside academia
 Social psychology has broad applicability
Academic
50%
Private
sector
18.7%
Self-
employed
13.9%

9. What salaries do Social Psychologists earn?
Median Starting Salaries for Ph.D. (2007)
Instructor/lecturer $38,000
Assistant Professor $52,000
Applied Careers $68,000
Overall Median Salaries (2009)
Masters Ph.D.
Faculty Position $52,000 Full Professor $100,000
Applied Careers $80,000 Associate Professor $72,000
Assistant Professor $65,000
Applied Careers $120,000

10. How flexible are working conditions for
Social Psychologists?
 Jobs in academia tend to be very flexible
 Make your own schedule
 Decide on topics of research
 Work remotely
 Jobs outside of academia
 Vary by company

11. What skills & experience should undergrads
acquire if interested in Social Psychology?
 To be competitive for Social Psychology Ph.D. programs:
1.) GPA
 Average incoming graduate GPA: ~3.5 (out 4.0 scale)
2.) Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
www.ets.org
 General Exam
Average incoming verbal/quantitative total: ~310 (out of 340)
Average incoming analytic score: 4.5 (out of 6)
 Subject Exams
Only rarely required by social psych graduate programs

12. What skills & experience should undergrads
acquire if interested in Social Psychology?
 To be competitive for Social Psychology Ph.D. programs:
3.) Research experience
 Involve yourself in DIS opportunities!
 Recommend working with two different labs during undergrad
4.) Letters of Recommendation
 Typically need 3
 At least 2 should come from professors/research advisors

13. What is the most rewarding aspect of
being a Social Psychologist?
 Exciting, creative field
 Numerous aspects to job
 Focus on what you’re interested in

14. What is the biggest drawback of being a
Social Psychologist?
 Heavy workload
 Carve out time for yourself

15. Website recommendations for students
interested in Social Psychology
 American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/
 Social Psychology Network
http://www.socialpsychology.org/
 Society for Personality and Social Psychology
http://www.spsp.org/