MCAT P/S: Foundational Concept 8: Identity, Social Thinking, Social Interaction

Self-concept

The sum of beliefs and knowledge about oneself

Self-identity

The recognition of oneself as a distinct individual

Social identity

The part of self-concept derived from group membership

Self-esteem

Overall sense of self-worth

Self-efficacy

Belief in one's ability to succeed in specific tasks

Locus of control

Belief about control over life outcomes

Internal locus of control

Belief that outcomes are due to one's own actions

External locus of control

Belief that outcomes are due to external forces

Looking-glass self

We shape our self-concept based on how others perceive us

Role-taking

Taking the perspective of others to understand behavior

Identity

Combination of personal characteristics and social roles

Role

Expected behaviors associated with a status

Ascribed status

Status assigned at birth (e.g., race, gender)

Achieved status

Status earned through actions (e.g., job, education)

Reference group

Group used for comparison when evaluating oneself

Gender identity

Personal sense of one's gender

Sex

Biological differences (chromosomes, hormones)

Gender

Socially constructed roles and expectations

The social construction of gender

Gender roles are shaped by culture and society

Psychosexual development (Freud)

Oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital stages

Psychosocial development (Erikson)

Stages involving identity and social relationships

Moral development (Kohlberg)

Preconventional, conventional, postconventional stages

Nature vs nurture debate

Interaction between genetics and environment in development

Attribution theory

Explains how we interpret behavior of others

Fundamental attribution error

Overestimating dispositional factors, underestimating situational factors

Actor-observer bias

Attributing own actions to situation, others' to disposition

Self-serving bias

Attributing successes to self, failures to external factors

Dispositional attribution

Behavior explained by internal traits

Situational attribution

Behavior explained by external context

Prejudice

Attitudes toward a group (usually negative)

Discrimination

Actions toward a group

Stereotype

Generalized belief about a group

Stigma

Extreme disapproval based on social characteristic

Ethnocentrism

Judging other cultures by one's own standards

Cultural relativism

Judging a culture by its own standards

In-group

Group you identify with

Out-group

Group you do not identify with

In-group bias

Favoring members of your own group

Implicit bias

Unconscious attitudes affecting behavior

Self-fulfilling prophecy

Expectation leads to behavior that confirms belief

Stereotype threat

Risk of confirming negative stereotype affecting performance

Power

Ability to influence others

Prestige

Respect and admiration

Class

Social ranking based on wealth/status

Emotional component of prejudice

Feelings toward group

Cognitive component of prejudice

Beliefs/stereotypes

Behavioral component of prejudice

Discrimination

Status

Position in society with associated expectations

Role strain

Difficulty fulfilling one role

Role conflict

Conflict between multiple roles

Role exit

Leaving a role

Primary group

Small, close-knit group (family, friends)

Secondary group

Larger, goal-oriented group (coworkers)

Dyad

Group of two people (least stable)

Triad

Group of three people (more stable)

Social network

Web of relationships connecting individuals

Organization

Structured group with specific purpose

Bureaucracy

Large organization with hierarchy and rules

Iron law of oligarchy

Organizations tend to become controlled by a few leaders

McDonaldization

Society becoming more rationalized and standardized

Impression management

Controlling how others perceive you

Front stage behavior

Public persona (formal behavior)

Back stage behavior

Private persona (relaxed behavior)

Verbal communication

Use of language to communicate

Nonverbal communication

Body language, facial expressions, gestures

Display rules

Cultural norms for expressing emotion

Attraction

Forces drawing people together

Proximity

Physical closeness increases attraction

Similarity

Shared traits increase attraction

Reciprocity

Liking someone who likes you

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm others

Attachment

Emotional bond (secure, insecure types)

Altruism

Helping others without expectation of reward

Kin selection

Helping relatives to increase genetic survival

Reciprocal altruism

Expectation of mutual help

Social support

Perceived comfort, care, assistance from others

Biological basis of social behavior

Includes hormones, brain structures, evolution

Inclusive fitness

Genetic success via survival of relatives

Foraging behavior

Searching for food in animals

Game theory

Studying strategic decision-making

Discrimination

Unjust treatment based on group membership

Individual discrimination

Actions by individuals

Institutional discrimination

Systemic policies disadvantaging groups

Prejudice vs discrimination

Prejudice = attitude; discrimination = behavior