Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary domain that combines elements of psychology and sociology to understand how individuals’ behaviors, thoughts, and feelings are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. It deals with social interactions, including their origins and effects on individuals within a society. Here are some of the key theories and figures in social psychology:

1. Social Cognitive Theory
   • Theorist/Contributor: Albert Bandura
   • Description: This theory emphasizes the idea that much of human learning occurs in a social context and that we learn from observing the actions of others. Bandura’s work also introduced the concept of self-efficacy, which is the belief in one’s capabilities to achieve a goal or an outcome.
2. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
   • Theorist/Contributor: Leon Festinger
   • Description: Cognitive Dissonance Theory proposes that individuals experience psychological discomfort when they hold conflicting beliefs or when their actions are not in alignment with their beliefs. As a result, individuals are motivated to reduce this discomfort by changing their beliefs or behaviors.
3. Self-Perception Theory
   • Theorist/Contributor: Daryl Bem
   • Description: This theory suggests that individuals make inferences about their own attitudes, emotions, and other internal states by observing their own behavior, especially when internal cues are ambiguous or unclear.
4. Attribution Theory
   • Theorists/Contributors: Fritz Heider, Harold Kelley
   • Description: Attribution Theory explores how individuals explain the causes of behavior and events. It involves the process of making inferences about the intentions and dispositions of others.
5. Social Comparison Theory
   • Theorist/Contributor: Leon Festinger
   • Description: According to Social Comparison Theory, individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they stack up against others. People use social comparisons to make assessments of their opinions, abilities, and emotions.
6. Social Identity Theory
   • Theorists/Contributors: Henri Tajfel, John Turner
   • Description: Social Identity Theory posits that an individual’s self-concept is partially determined by the social groups they belong to. It explains how group memberships can influence self-esteem and intergroup behavior.
7. Social Exchange Theory
   • Theorists/Contributors: George Homans, John Thibaut, Harold Kelley
   • Description: This theory views social relationships as involving an exchange of resources (e.g. time, energy, money) and suggests that individuals weigh the potential benefits and risks of social relationships, seeking to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
8. Stereotype Content Model
   • Theorists/Contributors: Susan Fiske, Peter Glick
   • Description: The Stereotype Content Model describes how stereotypes (generalized beliefs about members of social groups) are formed based on two dimensions – warmth and competence. It also discusses the emotional responses that these stereotypes elicit.
9. Theory of Planned Behavior/Reasoned Action
   • Theorists/Contributors: Icek Ajzen, Martin Fishbein
   • Description: This theory posits that an individual’s behavior is determined by their intention to perform the behavior, which is influenced by their attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
10. Bystander Effect
    • Theorists/Contributors: John Darley, Bibb Latané
    • Description: The Bystander Effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when there are other people present. This is often attributed to the diffusion of responsibility and social influence.

This is an overview of some major theories and contributors in the field of social psychology. These theories offer invaluable insights into the ways in which social factors influence human behavior, thought processes, and emotional responses.