Gordon allport's classic definition

To establish a solid understanding of social psychology, it is essential to analyze the definitions that have marked its development.

One of the most influential and enduring is the one proposed by Gordon Allport, a pioneering figure in the field.

His formulation, although concise, clearly articulates the pillars that support this scientific discipline and its particular focus on human experience.

The Detailed Definition

Allport defined social psychology as "an attempt to understand and explain how the thinking, feeling, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others."

This definition breaks down the essential components that guide research and theory in social psychology.

Scientific Commitment: "Understand and Explain"

The opening words of the definition underline the scientific vocation of the discipline.

Social psychology does more than just observe or describe social phenomena; its goal is to achieve a deep understanding and, to the extent possible, explain the causes and mechanisms underlying social influence.

This involves the use of rigorous research methods to formulate and test hypotheses about how and why people behave in certain ways in social contexts.

The Psychological Triptych: "Thinking, Feeling, and Behavior"

The core of psychosocial analysis lies in thinking (cognition), feeling (affect), and behavior.

These three aspects, often referred to as the ABCs of psychology, represent the fundamental dimensions of human experience that are susceptible to social influence.

The discipline examines how the presence of others and social dynamics shape our beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and the actions we display in our interactions with the world.

The Individual as the Focus of Analysis

A distinctive element is that, despite its emphasis on the social, social psychology maintains the "individual" as its primary unit of analysis.

It investigates how the social context impacts a person's internal psychological processes and observable behavior.

This individual-based perspective differentiates social psychology from other disciplines such as sociology, which tends to focus on structures and groups at a more aggregate level.

Nature of Social Influence: "Real, Imagined, or Implicit Presence"

The heart of the definition lies in the idea that this influence comes from the "real,imagined or implied presence of others."

"Actual presence" refers to the direct impact of people who are physically present.

"Imagined presence" considers how we anticipate or imagine the reactions and judgments of others (e.g., a family member or friend), which shapes our behavior even in their physical absence.

Finally, "implicit presence" refers to the internalization of social norms, cultural roles, and expectations that guide our behavior in subtle but powerful ways, without the need for other individuals to be present to exert direct pressure.