PSY 221 - Chapter 5: Perceiving Groups

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from a Social Psychology lecture on perceiving groups, prejudice, and stereotypes.

Discrimination

Any positive or negative behavior directed toward a social group and its members; includes acting negatively toward one group to benefit another.

Prejudice

A positive or negative evaluation of a social group and its members, ranging from overt hate to subtle forms of bias.

Stereotype

A mental representation or impression of a social group formed by associating particular characteristics and emotions with the group.

Social Categorization

The process of identifying individual people as members of a social group based on shared features typical of that group.

Conservatism principle

It can be very hard to change stereotypes when you’ve grown up being taught things about a group of people.

The Stereotype Content Model (SCM)

Model where our impressions of others are based on perceived warmth and competence. We value warmth more than competence. Perceptions determine stereotypes, emotions, and treatment of a group.

Legitimizing myths

Stereotypes prevalent in society that often serve to justify existing social inequalities, portraying groups as deserving their social roles based on their characteristics.

Contact Hypothesis

The theory that certain types of direct contact between members of hostile groups will reduce stereotyping and prejudice.

Implicit Association Task (IAT)

A technique used to study impressions of groups using reaction time as a measure.

Facial electromyography (EMG)

A technique used to study impressions of groups using facial muscle movement as a measure.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

A technique used to study impressions of groups using brain activity as a measure.