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Psychology as a subject is very challenging as well as quite exciting. There are different specializations in this field. One such specialization is social psychology which is nothing if not a fascinating study of the individuals in a group and social interaction. Social psychologists are found in a variety of academic and non-academic settings. They focus on how individuals and groups interact in social situations. This is a highly specialized field and is quite demanding also. Social psychologists study formation of attitudes, group dynamics, social development, attraction between people, factors causing change in attitude and behavior, prejudice and personality traits etc.
Social psychologists explain how people become who they are and how they are influenced by their surrounding environment. They tell us about different aspects of an individual including characteristics, traits, attitude, behavioral patterns, thinking and goals etc. Social psychologists are trained in explaining different dimensions of incentives, social norms, aggression, conformity, group behavior, friendship, perception, leadership and social cognition etc. These trained professionals use quantitative and empirical research methods. Arrival of new technologies has made things certainly easier for them in using computational modeling approaches.
Social psychologists need to have a degree in psychology. Those residing in UK should make sure that the course is approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. To get into the university course, one must have 5 GCSEs at grades A-C and 3 A levels. Social psychologists who wish to practice professionally will need to complete a postgraduate professional training course in the relevant field.
In USA, most of the social psychologists have doctoral degrees in social psychology. That degree enables them to become independent researchers in the relevant subject. Additionally, these professionals complete internships and gain valuable research experience in the subject of social psychology. Considering the nature and specialty of the profession, most of the employers seek psychologists with a doctorate degree and not just a master’s. One has to take certification or license if he/she wishes to practice independently. Licensing requirements include basic educational qualification and passing of state test.
In India, many colleges and universities offer psychology as a subject right from plus two levels. However, to become a social psychologist, one should take psychology as an Honors subject at graduation level and then should pursue it further with a master's and doctoral degrees. Social psychology is a highly specialized field and it is always better to have highest degree to increase the job chances.
Some of the institutes imparting knowledge and education in social psychology at bachelor, master, M.Phil and Ph.D levels are:-
University of Delhi, Delhi
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Sardar Patel University, Gujarat
Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar
Barkhatullah Viswavidyalaya, Bhopal
Kuruskhetra University, Haryana
Mysore University, Mysore
The services of social psychologists are sought in practical psychology fields, marketing research, organizational consultation, statistical analysis and systems design etc. Qualified professionals can find suitable jobs at schools, colleges and universities as a counselor, in different industries and research organizations.
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