Which type of psychology primarily studies the influences of social processes on behavior?

Social psychology is the branch of psychology that specifically investigates how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by social contexts and interactions with others. It examines a variety of topics, such as group behavior, social perception, leadership, and conformity, to understand how people are shaped by their social environments.

This field focuses on concepts like attitudes, social identity, and the ways that societal norms and culture can impact individual behavior. Researchers in social psychology conduct experiments and observational studies to explore how different social situations influence individuals, providing valuable insights into how social dynamics function.

In contrast, cognitive psychology delves into mental processes such as perception, memory, and decision-making, while developmental psychology is concerned with growth and change throughout the lifespan. Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, which is more individual-based rather than emphasizing the influence of social processes.