Psychology

Sources:

John F Dovidio, Geoffrey Maruyama, & Michele G Alexander. (1998). A social psychology of national and international group relations. The Journal of Social Issues, 54(4), 831-846
Einwohner, R. L. (1999). The social psychology of collective action: Identity, injustice, and gender. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press; Oxford University Press, UK.
123RF. (2013). Man thinking with tree [online image]. Retrieved April 12, 2013 from http://www.123rf.com/photo_11496444_human-brain-isolated-silhouette-green-illustration.html

What is social psychology?

Analyzes the interaction between interpersonal dynamics as well as intergroup dynamics
Social psychology takes into account the individual, as well as how the individual behaves in a group setting

Methods:

Action Research—actively participating in a group setting while conducting research

Results:

Psychology, fundamental rooted in the study of the individual, is evolving to different subject levels, i.e. groups
As a result of 15 studies, the researchers conclude that examining the individual role in a group context is vital to understanding how groups can work most effectively
Social Identity Theory: people’s identities are shaped by which social groups they belong to. This in turn impacts how they work in a group environment
“Intrapsychic” processes like stereotyping, individual behavior like discrimination, and collective action are barriers to successful group dynamic
There is a distinction between personal identity and social identity
Strong intrinsic as well as extrinsic motivations are key