Attribution Theory and Social Perception

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on Attribution Theory and Social Perception, including fundamental attribution error, prejudice, social comparison, and various theories related to social behavior.

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error?

The tendency for observers to underestimate the impact of the situation and overestimate the impact of personal disposition when analyzing others' behavior.

What does Attribution Theory explain?

It explains someone's behavior by crediting either the situation (situational attribution) or the person's stable traits (dispositional attribution).

How does culture affect attributions?

Westerners are more likely to commit the fundamental attribution error compared to individuals from cultures like China or Japan.

Describe the Actor-Observer Bias.

The tendency for those acting in a situation to attribute their behavior to external causes, while observers attribute others' behavior to internal causes.

What is self-serving bias?

The tendency for individuals to attribute their successes to personal factors while attributing failures to external factors.

What is prejudice?

An unjustifiable and usually negative attitude toward people of a particular racial/ethnic group, gender, or sexual orientation.

What are the components involved in prejudice?

Negative emotions, stereotypes, and a predisposition to discriminate.

What does the Implicit Association Test (IAT) measure?

It measures implicit prejudices by testing unconscious group associations.

Define Social Comparison.

The process of comparing ourselves to others, which can lead to feelings of happiness when we succeed and sadness when we don't.

What is the Just-World Phenomenon?

The tendency for people to believe the world is just, leading them to think that those who succeed are good and those who do not deserve their fate.

Explain the Scapegoat Theory.

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

What are cognitive shortcuts in the context of prejudice?

Mental shortcuts that facilitate quick judgments, which can lead to stereotypes and prejudice.

What is the Two-Factor Theory of Emotion?

The theory that emotions consist of two ingredients: physical arousal and cognitive appraisal.

How does the presence of others affect bystander intervention?

The presence of other bystanders can lead to diffusion of responsibility, making individuals less likely to help.

What is Social Loafing?

The tendency for people in a group to exert less effort when pooling their efforts toward a common goal than when individually accountable.

What is the difference between passionate love and companionate love?

Passionate love is characterized by intense attraction and emotional absorption, while companionate love involves deep affection and attachment.

What role does reciprocity play in social behavior?

The expectation that people will help those who have helped them creates a cycle of mutual support.