Unit 4 Psych Notes

Attribution Theory

Our perception of the cause of events and behaviors.

Locus of Control

Individual's belief over how much influence they have on events in their life.

Situational Attribution

Attributing behavior to external factors.

Dispositional Attribution

Attributing behavior to internal factors or inherent traits.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to underestimate the impact of the situation and overestimate the impact of personal disposition.

Actor-Observer Bias

The bias where the actor attributes their behavior to external causes, while the observer attributes it to internal causes.

Self-Serving Bias

The tendency to perceive oneself favorably, attributing bad outcomes to others and good outcomes to oneself.

Person Perception

How we form impressions of ourselves and others, including attribution of behavior.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified beliefs about a group of people.

Prejudice

A negative attitude toward a group or its members.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment or consideration of a group based on their membership in that group.

Mere Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where increased exposure to stimuli leads to increased liking.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A belief that leads to its own fulfillment through changes in behavior.

Just World Phenomenon

The belief that the world is just, and people get what they deserve.

Ingroup Bias

The tendency to favor one's own group over others.

Outgroup Homogeneity

The perception that members of an outgroup are more alike than they really are.

Scapegoat Theory

The theory that prejudice offers an outlet for anger by providing someone to blame.

Other-Race Effect

The tendency to recall one's own race more accurately than other races.

Cognitive Dissonance

The discomfort experienced when holding two conflicting thoughts.

Elaboration Likelihood Model

A theory explaining how people process information and form attitudes.

Central Route

Persuasion that involves factual information and logical arguments.

Peripheral Route

Persuasion that involves emotional appeals and superficial cues.

Norms

Society's understood rules for accepted behavior.

Social Facilitation

The improved performance of individuals when in the presence of others.

Social Loafing

The tendency for individuals to exert less effort in a group than alone.

Group Polarization

The tendency for group discussions to enhance the group's prevailing attitudes.

Aggression

Physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone emotionally or physically.

Frustration-Aggression Principle

Frustration with an obstacle can lead to aggression.

Altruism

Unselfish regard for the welfare of others.

Social Exchange Theory

The theory that human interactions are transactions aimed at maximizing one's benefits.