Final answer:
Social psychology is termed a 'scientific study' as it employs scientific methods to explore the influence of situational factors on human behavior, including cultural influences and scripts. Recognition of internal and external factors and the analysis of social roles and norms are key to this discipline. The field blends aspects of natural and social sciences, looking at both biological and interpersonal dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social psychology is described as the scientific study of human thinking and behavior because it applies rigorous scientific methods to understand how individuals are influenced by situational factors, including their environment and social interactions. Fundamental to this field is the recognition that both internal factors (like personality) and external factors (such as social norms and roles) shape our behaviors. Importantly, social psychologists also look at cultural influences and how they contribute to variations in behavior across different societies.
One of the key insights of social psychology is that people often misconstrue the reasons for others' behaviors, which is known as the fundamental attribution error. Additionally, social roles, norms, and scripts provide a framework that influences how individuals behave in various situations. The renowned Stanford prison experiment highlighted the impact that assigned roles and situational pressures can have on behavior, sometimes leading individuals to act in ways that are contrary to their personal inclinations.
Moreover, social psychology investigates how attitudes and persuasion can affect a person's actions and decisions. It integrates knowledge from both natural sciences, such as biology, due to its basis in human behavior, and social sciences, due to its focus on interpersonal dynamics. The discipline plays a vital role in understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave within a social context.