Concerns how mental elements form, operate, and change over time. Social cognitive research attempts to learn about the mechanisms and stages in which we turn perceptions (habits, thoughts, etc.) into responses. 

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- Mentalism

- Orientation Towards Cognitive Processes

- Cross-fertilization of Cognitive and Social Psychology

- Application to the Real World
- Dual Modes of Processing

Basic Assumptions of Social Cognitive Theories

Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (2017). Social cognition: From brains to culture. London: Sage Publications. 

 Social Cognition: From Brains to Culture 3rd Edition

Mentalism refers to the existence and importance of cognitive representations. People have mental representations for general and specific memories, other people, events, the self, etc. We use these representations to help organize information and guide information processing

Mentalism

Cognitive Processes in Social Settings

The field of social cognition adopts methods and theoretical aspects from social and cognitive psychology. For instance, social phenomena (e.g. intergroup biases) may be examined by using cognitive techniques (e.g. eye-tracking, response time, etc.). 

Cross-Fertilization of Cognitive and Social Psychology 

Social cognition research allows us to study phenomena that isn't possible using only a cognitive analysis. The results in this field are often used to improve the legal system, healthcare, psychotherapy, marketing, interpersonal interactions, etc. 

Real-World Social Issues

There are two modes of processing in social cognition:
- Automatic Processing 
- Deliberate Processing

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