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Distinguishing Between the Social Psychology and Personality & Social Contexts (P&SC) Psychology Areas


Distinguishing Between the Social Psychology and Personality & Social Contexts (P&SC) Psychology Areas

Prospective students may wonder about the differences between the Social Psychology area and the Personality & Social Contexts Psychology area. Below are the core research themes of each area. There is overlap, as is typical of the subfields of psychology. Please read the full descriptions of both programs and review the lists of the faculty in each program in order to decide which program you should apply to. Note that, while students are admitted to a particular area, they may take courses and work with additional faculty in other areas.

Social Psychology Area

Core Themes
  • social cognition
  • prejudice and stereotyping
  • the self and social identity
  • cognitive biases
  • emotion
  • aggression
  • cultural psychology
  • the evolution of social behavior
  • psychology and law
Core Faculty

Personality & Social Contexts Psychology Area

Core Themes
Core Faculty