PSYC140 Final Prep

What is Social Psychology?

The scientific study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals in social situations (real or imagined).

What are the levels of analysis in Social Psychology?

Individual and group levels of analysis.

What is the goal of Social Psychology?

Define, explain, and predict phenomena; helps predict and influence behaviors in real-life situations.

What is the Scientific Method in Social Psychology?

Observation > Explanation > Hypothesis > Research (collect data, analyze, make conclusions).

Types of Research Methods in Social Psychology

Correlational, Experimental, Observational, Archival.

What is the difference between Basic and Applied Research?

Basic research advances knowledge, while applied research solves practical problems.

What are the types of validity in research?

Internal, External, and Construct Validity.

What are the key components of ethics in research?

Informed consent, minimizing harm, debriefing, compensation, oversight by an ethics committee.

What is Self-Concept?

The understanding of oneself, including self-concept clarity, complexity, verification, and working self-concept.

What is the Looking-Glass Self?

A concept where self-knowledge comes from reflected self-appraisal through social interactions.

Define Self-Discrepancy Theory.

The theory that examines the differences between the actual self, ideal self, and ought self.

What is Self-Regulation?

The process of controlling one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to achieve goals.

What are Cognitive Biases related to Self-Concept?

Confirmation Bias, Hot Cognition, Motivated Skepticism, Egocentric Bias.

Define Social Comparison Theory.

A theory that explains how individuals evaluate themselves through comparison with others.

What is Cognitive Dissonance?

The discomfort experienced when actions conflict with attitudes.

What are Cialdini’s Principles of Persuasion?

Reciprocity, Commitment + Consistency, Liking, Social Proof, Authority, Scarcity.

What are the types of relationships according to Social Exchange Theory?

Communal vs. Exchange Relationships.

What is the definition of Aggression?

Intentional behavior aimed to harm others.

What is the Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis?

The theory that empathy for others leads to altruistic behavior.

What is PERMA in Positive Psychology?

A model of Well-Being including Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement.

What is Hedonic Adaptation?

The tendency to return to a baseline level of happiness after experiencing positive or negative events.

Define Stereotype Threat.

The fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one’s group.

What is the Broaden-and-Build Theory?

The theory that positive emotions enhance creativity and problem-solving.

What is the difference between Mis/Disinformation?

Misinformation is incorrect info shared unknowingly; disinformation is the intentional spreading of false info.

Define the N-effect in social psychology.

The effect that the size of a group has on social comparisons, where larger groups can influence how individuals view their abilities.

What is the importance of attachment styles in relationships?

Attachment styles (Secure, Anxious, Avoidant) influence how individuals connect and interact with others in relationships.