social psychology

attribution

people’s explanation for why events or actions occur

internal attributions

when we tend to look at the characteristics or the character of a person to judge
their behavior

situational attributions

when we make judgements about behaviors based on the occurring situation

fundamental attribution error

the tendency to overemphasize traits and underestimate situational factors when explaining other’s behaviors

actor observer bias

the tendency to attribute one’s own behavior to situational

factors

self-servicing

the tendency to take personal credit for success but blame external causes for failure

social identity theory

group membership is an important part of how we view ourselves.

ultimate attribution error

Ingroup members receive little blame for negative actions.

Outgroup members receive little credit for positive actions.

deindividualization

When we are part of a large

group, we experience reduced

individuality, lower self-

awareness, and less attention to

personal standards

• Anonymity

• Heightened arousal

• Low accountability

• Crowds, riots, concerts, sporting

events

groupthink

• poor decision-making when a

group is trying to preserve its

cohesiveness and maintain social

harmony

• Occurs typically under intense

pressure (external threats, strong

opinions initially expressed from

group leader)

social facilitation

In front of people, you may ride a

bike well (well-learned task), but

you may do worse than usual

when riding a unicycle (poorly-

learned task)

normative social influences

to be liked or accepted

informational social influence

when we assume the behavior of the group provides accurate or helpful information

when is obedience more likely

The person giving

orders is nearby and

seen as a legitimate

authority

• The victim is at a

physical and/or

psychological distance

• No role models for

defiance