4.3e - Psychology of Social Situations: Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking

altruism

unselfish regard for the welfare of others

bystander effect

tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present

diffusion of responsibility

more people have shared responsibility for helping → individuals less likely to help _{^{(‘oh, someone else will help’)}}

!!! won’t help in situation if…

• don’t notice incident

• don’t interpret as an emergency

• don’t assume responsibility

social exchange theory

our social behavior is an exchange process, aim is to maximize benefits and minimize costs

-for our own self-interest

-will help others if pros outweigh cons

reciprocity norm

expectation that ppl will help (not hurt) those who have helped them

social-responsibility norm

expectation that ppl will help those needing their help _{^{[even if costs outweigh benefits]}}

conflict

perceived incompatibility of actions/goals/ideas

social trap

a situation in which 2 parties, by each pursuing their self-interest rather than the good of the group, become caught in mutually destructive behavior

_{^{ex) everyone will get 3 extra points if everyone turns in the extra credit assignment, Bob doesn’t do it since he thinks others won’t finish it and he doesn’t want to waste his time for no reason}}

mirror-image perceptions

mutual views often held by conflicting parties

-we are ethical/peaceful, the other side is evil/aggressive→the other side thinks the same!

self-fulfilling prophecy

a belief that leads to its own fulfillment

_{^{ex) teacher believes kid isn’t capable → gives them less attention → student performs poorly from less attention → teacher’s belief is ‘confirmed’}}

superordinate goals

shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation

GRIT

Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction; a strategy designed to decrease international tensions

ex) 1 side first recognizes mutual interests + announces intentions to reduce tensions → initiates small conciliatory acts → more reciprocity, small steps!

!!! Promote peace 🕊☮

• contact

• cooperation

• communication

• conciliation (e.g. GRIT)