Behaviour in a Social Context

These flashcards cover key concepts related to behavior in a social context, including attribution theory, social influence, and factors affecting attitudes and behavior.

Attribution Theory

A psychological theory explaining how individuals interpret and understand the causes of their own and others' behavior.

Dispositional Attribution

Attributing behavior to internal characteristics of a person, such as personality traits.

Situational Attribution

Attributing behavior to external factors or circumstances surrounding a person.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate the role of personality in others' behaviors while underestimating situational influences.

Self-serving Bias

The habit of attributing positive events to one's own character while attributing negative events to external factors.

Cultural Difference in Attributional Biases

The variation in attribution styles based on cultural backgrounds, such as individualistic versus collectivist cultures.

Primacy Effect

The tendency to remember the first pieces of information presented when forming an impression.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified beliefs or ideas about a particular group of people.

Prejudice

An unjustified negative attitude toward a person based on their membership in a group.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment of individuals based on their group membership.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas.

Theory of Planned Behaviour

A theory that links beliefs and behavior, suggesting that intent to act is influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived control.

Foot-in-the-Door Phenomenon

The tendency for people to comply with a large request after agreeing to a small one.

Door-in-the-Face Phenomenon

The tendency for people to agree to a smaller request after rejecting a larger one.

Central Route to Persuasion

A method of persuasion that involves careful and thoughtful consideration of the arguments presented.

Peripheral Route to Persuasion

A method of persuasion that relies on superficial cues rather than the quality of arguments.

Social Norm

An expected standard of behavior and belief established by society.

Deindividuation

A phenomenon where individuals lose their self-awareness and sense of accountability in group situations.

Groupthink

A situation in which group members prioritize consensus over critical thinking.

Conformity

The adjustment of one's behavior, attitudes, or beliefs to align with those of a group.

Obedience to Authority

The act of following orders or instructions from an authority figure.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency situation.

Prosocial Behaviour

Actions intended to benefit others, such as helping or altruism.

Self-justification

The process of defending one's actions or feelings by rationalizing them, often minimizing perceived responsibility.