key theories

• Social Identity Theory


  Developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, this theory proposes that individuals define themselves in terms of social group membership and strive for a positive social identity. It explains intergroup behavior, prejudice, and discrimination based on the concept of ingroups and outgroups.
• Social Cognitive Theory


  Albert Bandura's theory emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in learning and behavior. It highlights how individuals observe, model, and imitate the behavior of others, and how factors like self-efficacy and outcome expectations influence behavior.
• Attribution Theory


  This theory, developed by Fritz Heider and later expanded by Harold Kelley, focuses on how individuals explain the causes of behavior, both their own and others'. It distinguishes between internal (dispositional) and external (situational) attributions and examines how these attributions affect judgments and interactions.
• Cognitive Dissonance Theory


  Proposed by Leon Festinger, this theory suggests that individuals experience discomfort (dissonance) when their beliefs or attitudes conflict with their actions. They are motivated to reduce this dissonance through various cognitive strategies, such as changing beliefs or justifying behavior.
• Self-Determination Theory


  Developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, this theory focuses on the inherent human need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. It proposes that individuals are motivated to pursue activities that fulfill these psychological needs, leading to intrinsic motivation and well-being.
• Social Exchange Theory


  This theory views social interactions as a form of exchange where individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs. Proposed by George Homans and later developed by Peter Blau and Richard Emerson, it explains behaviors such as cooperation, reciprocity, and altruism in terms of the perceived benefits and risks involved.
• Evolutionary Psychology


  Drawing from principles of natural selection and adaptation, evolutionary psychology explains social behavior in terms of its adaptive function in ancestral environments. It examines how behaviors like aggression, cooperation, and mate selection have evolved to enhance survival and reproduction.
• Social Influence Theory


  This encompasses several theories, including conformity, compliance, and obedience. These theories explore how individuals are influenced by others' opinions, norms, and authority figures, leading to changes in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.