Levels of Analysis in Social Psychology & Critical Thinking

This lecture explores the different levels of analysis in social psychology, as described by Doise, focusing on the ideological, positional, inter-individual, and intra-individual levels. It delves into the articulation of these levels and provides examples, such as cognitive dissonance. The concept of critical thinking is also discussed, emphasizing the importance of engaging with information skeptically to make informed decisions. Through examples like Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory, the lecture illustrates how individuals strive to maintain internal consistency, even in the face of conflicting beliefs. Practical exercises on reading social psychology literature and analyzing theoretical frameworks are included to enhance students' critical thinking skills.