Social Interaction and Social Thinking

MCAT Prep: Behavioral Sciences Part 9

Status

a position in society used to classify individuals. Can be ascribed, achieved, or master

Ascribed status

involuntarily assigned

Achieved status

voluntarily earned

Master status

primary identity

Role

set of beliefs, values, and norms that define the expectations of a certain status

Group

two or more individuals with similar characteristics who share a sense of unity

Network

observable pattern of social relationships between individuals or groups

Organization

group with a structure and culture designed o achieve specific goals; exists outside of each individual’s membership within the organization

Display rules

unspoken rules that govern the expression of emotion

Impression management

maintenance of a public image through various strategies

Dramaturgical approach

individuals create images of themselves in the same way that actors perform a role in front of an audience

Interpersonal attraction

influenced by physical, social, and psychological factors

Aggression

behavior with the intention to cause harm or increase social dominance

Attachment

an emotional bond to another person; usually refers to the bond between a child and a caregiver

Altruism

helping behavior in which the person’s intent is to benefit someone else at a personal cost