Psychology Theories and Concepts

A collection of flashcards summarizing key terms and concepts in psychology related to emotion, social behavior, and decision-making.

Schachter’s 2-Factor Theory of Emotion

Suggests that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal.

Physiological Arousal

The body's physical response to stimuli, such as increased heart rate or sweating.

Cognitive Labeling

The mental interpretation of physiological arousal based on the environmental context.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

The theory that emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions to events.

Critiques of James-Lange Theory

1. Drugs affect arousal without creating emotions. 2. Visceral changes are too slow for instantaneous emotions. 3. Visceral feedback is insensitive.

Supporting Evidence for James-Lange Theory

Studies showing that facial feedback affects emotional perception, e.g., frowning increases anger.

Adaptation Level Theory

Explains why lottery winners return to their baseline happiness level over time.

Opponent-Process Theory of Emotion

Each emotion triggers an opposing emotion; repeated exposure intensifies the opposing reaction.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

Suggests emotions can be influenced by facial expressions.

Types of Nonverbal Behavior

Communicative and expressive behaviors, such as facial expressions and kinesic cues.

Flow Experience

An optimal state of consciousness where one is fully immersed and focused on an activity.

High Road in Emotion Processing

Leads to cerebral cortex for processing and determining fear.

Low Road in Emotion Processing

Leads to the amygdala for an immediate emotional response.

Affective Forecasting

The process of predicting how we will feel in the future, often biased by impact bias.

Impact Bias

The tendency to overestimate the intensity and duration of future emotional states.

Proxemics Levels of Distance

1. Public space: 12 ft+. 2. Social distance: 4-12 ft. 3. Personal distance: 1.5-4 ft. 4. Intimate distance: 0-1.5 ft.

Relative Deprivation

The feeling of being worse off than others, leading to negative emotional states.

GAS (General Adaptation Syndrome)

The body's three-phase response to stress: alarm reaction, resistance, exhaustion.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overvalue internal factors while undervaluing external situational factors in others' behaviors.

Central Route to Persuasion

High elaboration and motivation to process message content.

Peripheral Route to Persuasion

Low elaboration where credibility of the source influences persuasion.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The phenomenon where individuals feel less compelled to act when others are present.

Stanford Prison Experiment

A study that revealed the situational vs. dispositional causes of behavior, considered unethical due to psychological harm.

Culture of Honor

A belief system that encourages physical aggression to protect reputation.

Role of Testosterone in Aggression

Linked to irritability, impulsiveness, and low frustration tolerance.

Role of Serotonin in Aggression

Low serotonin levels are associated with increased aggression.

Groupthink

A situation where the desire for harmony in a group leads to poor decision-making.

Stereotype Threat

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one’s group, impacting performance.

Reasons Stereotypes Resist Change

1. Exaggerate group differences. 2. Selective perception and memory. 3. Underestimate internal group differences.

Foot-in-the-Door Technique

The strategy of getting a person to agree to a small request first and then a larger one later.

Deindividuation

Loss of self-awareness in groups, leading to behavior contrary to norms.

Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Love

Three elements: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Environmental Effects on IQ Differences

Social and environmental factors play a role, countering genetic explanations.

Algorithm vs. Heuristic

An algorithm is a methodical solution, while a heuristic is a simpler, faster mental shortcut.

Concept Definition

Mental categories for classifying objects or ideas based on shared features.

Prototype Definition

The best example or mental image representing a category.

Entrapment Definition

Increasing commitment to a poor decision due to prior investments.

Framing Effects

How the phrasing of options impacts decision-making.

Judgmental Heuristics

Mental shortcuts used in decision-making processes.

IQ Calculation Formula

IQ is calculated as (mental age/chronological age) * 100.

Criticisms of Intelligence Tests

Issues include labeling effects, cultural bias, and overemphasis on IQ scores.