Social Psychology: Prejudice

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the causes, effects, and reduction of prejudice as discussed in Social Psychology.

Prejudice

A hostile or negative attitude toward people in a distinguishable group based solely on their membership in that group.

Three components of prejudice

Cognitive (stereotypes), Affective (emotions), Behavioral (discrimination).

Stereotype

A generalization about a group of people, attributing certain traits to virtually all members regardless of individual variations.

Discrimination

An unjustified negative or harmful action toward the members of a group simply because of their membership in that group.

Microaggressions

Regular slights, indignities, and put-downs that often communicate negative messages.

Social identity threat

The threat elicited when people perceive that others are evaluating them as a member of their group instead of as an individual.

Implicit prejudice

Unconscious bias that is hidden from oneself and may influence behavior.

Contact hypothesis

The view that social interactions between social groups will reduce prejudice.

In-group bias

The tendency to favor members of one's own group and give them preferential treatment.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own ethnic group, nation, or religion is superior to all others.

Realistic conflict theory

The theory that limited resources lead to conflict between groups, resulting in increased prejudice and discrimination.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true due to positive or negative expectations.

Jigsaw classroom

A teaching strategy that encourages cooperation among students of different backgrounds, aiming to reduce prejudice and increase self-esteem.