Stanley Schachter

Stanley Schachter was an American psychologist known for his work in the field of social psychology. His research focused on the interplay between emotions, cognition, and behavior, contributing to the understanding of social influence and interpersonal relationships.

Early Life and Education

Stanley Schachter was born on April 15, 1922, in Flushing, New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1942. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his military service, Schachter completed his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Michigan in 1949.

Contributions to Psychology

Schachter’s most notable research explored the link between emotions and cognition, resulting in the development of the two-factor theory of emotion. According to this theory, an individual’s physiological arousal, combined with their cognitive interpretation of the situation, determines the experienced emotion.

His famous experiment conducted with Jerome E. Singer, known as the “Cognitive, Social, and Physiological Determinants of Emotional State” study, demonstrated that individuals in an ambiguous situation will adopt the emotional state of others present if they trust their judgment and have not experienced any specific physiological arousal.

Schachter also made significant contributions to the understanding of social influence and persuasion. His work on group dynamics, particularly regarding the effects of cohesiveness and social comparison, demonstrated how individuals conform to group norms and modify their behaviors accordingly.

Later Life and Legacy

Stanley Schachter spent most of his academic career at Columbia University, where he served as a professor of psychology. He contributed to numerous influential publications and received several awards, including the American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award.

Today, Schachter’s insights and theories continue to shape social psychology and contribute to the understanding of emotions, cognition, and interpersonal relationships.