Question 1

Which countries lead Social Psychology research?

Accepted Answer

On research quality in 2022-now, the United States, China and Germany rank highest in Social Psychology. By volume, the United States and China publish the most (44k and 21k works in 2022-now).

Question 2

Which institutions lead Social Psychology research?

Accepted Answer

Harvard University (United States) ranks first in Social Psychology on research quality in 2022-now, followed by Stanford University and University of Oxford.

Question 3

Who are the leading researchers in Social Psychology?

Accepted Answer

Counting only their work in Social Psychology, Ronald C. Kessler, Richard M. Ryan and Pim Cuijpers have the most papers in the world top 10% for their subfield and year beyond the 10% expected.

Question 4

Where is Social Psychology research done?

Accepted Answer

The largest centres of Social Psychology research in 2022-now are Beijing (China), London (United Kingdom), Istanbul (Türkiye) and New York (United States). Among places with at least 20 works in it, it is an unusually large share of all research in Steinkjer and Portsmouth.

Question 5

Where is the best place to study Social Psychology?

Accepted Answer

Among universities, judged by research, Harvard University, Stanford University and University of Oxford score highest, combining standing in the field's ranking, citation excellence, specialisation, size, growth and international reach. Research strength is one signal when choosing where to study; it does not measure teaching.

Question 6

Is Social Psychology research growing?

Accepted Answer

Output in 2022-2025 was 24% higher than in 2018-2021, peaking in 2025. The fastest-growing topics are Social Robot Interaction and HRI, Music Therapy and Health and Human-Automation Interaction and Safety.

Question 7

What are the most cited papers in Social Psychology?

Accepted Answer

The most cited paper in Social Psychology is "Using thematic analysis in psychology" (Virginia Braun, Victoria Clarke, 2006), with 193,920 citations. Next come "The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations." (72,222) and "The PHQ-9" (45,744).