Which phrase best defines 'social context' in social psychology?

• A. The environment, people, and circumstances that influence an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• B. The process of learning through direct reinforcement and punishment
• C. An individual's genetic makeup and biological predispositions
• D. A person's internal motivations and personality traits

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that 'social context' in social psychology refers to the external factors surrounding an individual that influence their mental processes and behaviors.
2. Step 2: Identify key components of social context, which typically include the environment, the people present, and the specific circumstances or situations an individual is in.
3. Step 3: Differentiate social context from other concepts such as biological predispositions (which relate to genetics), internal motivations (which relate to personality), and learning processes (which involve reinforcement and punishment).
4. Step 4: Recognize that social context shapes how individuals think, feel, and behave by providing the social cues and norms that guide interactions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the phrase best defining 'social context' is the one emphasizing the environment, people, and circumstances influencing an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.