Do you ever look at someone and wonder to yourself, "what are they thinking?" This could be a result of the outfit they chose, the words they say, or how someone handles a situation. The choices we make are readily seen by others, but we forget that the world is quick to judge (or what we do may not really be what we meant).
Psychology looks at why people make the decisions they do, while sociology considers the interplay of others on an individual. Sociology is closer to game theory, which is used in economics to consider mathematical solutions for the best outcomes.
The weakness of all three of these 'social-oriented science theories' is that they place serious importance on rational intelligent people. How many people are always rational and are focused to use their highest intelligence when making decisions? What about that normal human nature factoring into the situation?
Marketing looks at variables for consumer behavior as people satisfy their needs - the crazy irrational gut-feeling choices that people make, and tries to appeal to the "human" side of choices. It crafts messages to get through the irrational haze and filter to the main message. Marketing is the process and design behind the drive for profit - because you need to explain to someone the value of a decision to purchase, to replace, to dispose, to try new things.
Yet psychology and group think (sociology) play into decisions all the time. We need to learn to evaluate using our 'gut instinct' as well as the environmental plays around us. Take this quiz and learn a little more about how well you understand people and the choices they make.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/business/wonkblog/majority-illusion/
