Social Psychology: Prosocial Behavior

Evolutionary Theory

prosocial behavior is the result of kin altruism

Kin Altruism

biological predisposition to help related others, even if sacrificial to self

developed as means for survival of genes (expanded to related others)

social norms

proximal cause of prosocial behavior; general rules of conduct established by society to inform behaviors are expected

norm of reciprocity

help others who have helped us

norm of social responsibility

help those in need, regardless if they helped you in the past or are likely to help in the future

Robber’s Cave Study (theory demonstrated & details)

Realistic Conflict Theory (intergroup conflicts arises from competition over scarace resources; prejudice & hostility can form without prior animosity)

competition → in-group favoritism

competition → out-group hostility

Conflict was reduced by superordinate goals (to cooperate with other group); evalauted using Jigsaw method of learning

bystander apathy

individuals less likely to help someone in distress as number of other bystanders increases; often due to diffusion of responsibility or pluralistic ignorance (looking to others for cues & seeing inaction)

pluralistic ignorance

individuals privately disagree with a group's perceived norm but incorrectly believe everyone else accepts it, leading them to conform publicly

evaluation apprehension

person does not help because of fear of social disapproval

diffusion of responsibility

person does not accept personal responsibility for helping b/c they assume that others will offer help

Field Theory

Behavior must be derived from a totality interconnected factors (function of the person, physical environment & social environment) & depends on the present field rather than on the past or the future. The relation between person and environment represents the situation at a given moment.

Applies to leadership, group dynamics, & conflict

Intraindividual conflict

internal struggle occurring within a person, arising from opposing desires, values, emotions, or goals.

Causes: Conflicting roles (e.g., manager vs. friend), value clashes (e.g., work vs. family), or inconsistent, irrational thoughts

4 types: approach-approach; avoidance-avoidance; approach-avoidance; double approach-avoidance

Approach-Approach Conflict

Choosing between two equally desirable, but mutually exclusive, options.

usually easiest 1 to resolve

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

choose between 2 equally negative or unattractive goals, but mutually exclusive, options.

Difficulty to resolve; can lead to indecision, inaction, or removing self from situation; AKA “rock and a hard place”

Approach-Avoidance Conflict

occurring when a single goal, object, or action has both desirable (positive) and undesirable (negative) characteristics. It leads to indecision, as the individual is simultaneously drawn to and repelled by the same outcome, often creating significant anxiety. 

As more closer to goal → avoidance force becomes stronger.

As more farther away from goal → approach force increases

Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

choosing between two (or more) alternatives, each containing both significant positive and negative characteristics. It creates intense, vacillating indecision because both options are simultaneously desirable and undesirable; usually difficult to resolve.

Zeigarnik Effect

Memory is better for uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones b/c creates more “psychic tension.”

Occurs more often in non-stressful situations.

Field Theory is used to explain behavioral consequences of unresolved tension

Environmental effects that impact behavior

air pollution (decrease in cognitive performance & sensitivity to social cues); high temperature (increase in frustration, aggression, & risky decision-making); noxious or excessive noise (can cause stress & irritability, decrease concentration, & increase in aggressiveness)

Effects of crowding

little-to-no impact on simple tasks, but negative impact on performance of complex tasks

HIgh Residential Density

linked to physical & mental problems, poor acaemic performance, juvenile delinquency, & increase in mortality rates