Topic > Understanding Human Behavior Through Social Psychology

Additionally, Allport took a methodological approach by discussing current research and emphasizing that the field of social psychology is a scientific field that studies human behavior and the impact of our actions on others ( ). Allport's book highlights social topics that are still evident today, including conformity, emotions, and the effects of one audience on others (). Furthermore, early experiments conducted by some of the leading social psychologists include Triplett's (1898) analysis to investigate the performance of cyclists and how the presence of others influences overall performance (). Furthermore, Lwwin et al. (1939) conducted an experiment on leadership and group processes, examining the effective work ethic in different leadership styles (). However, critical research in social psychology subsequently developed after World War II, when individuals began to become interested in the behavior of other people when grouped together in a social situation ( ). Some studies have focused on how attitudes form or change due to social context. Among some of the most famous works in social psychology is Milgram's experiment in ( ) on obedience, which examined the role that the authority figure plays in shaping behavior. Similarly, Zimbardo's prison simulation experiment demonstrated the conformity of ascribed roles in the social world (). Thus, broader themes such as social perception, prosocial behavior, aggression, attribution, racism, and discrimination have emerged over time.