Social Psychology Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts in social psychology as discussed in the lecture, including definitions, theories, and terminology relevant to the subject.

Social Psychology

The study of social contexts that influences people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors when judging others' behavior.

Self-Serving Bias

The tendency to attribute positive events to oneself and negative events to external factors.

Foot-in-the-Door Strategy

A persuasion technique that involves getting a person to agree to a large request by first setting them up with a smaller request.

Door-in-the-Face Strategy

A persuasion technique where a large request is followed by a smaller, more reasonable request.

Peripheral Route of Persuasion

A method of persuasion that involves indirect or superficial cues rather than deep, thoughtful consideration.

Central Route of Persuasion

A method of persuasion that involves logical arguments and thoughtful consideration of the message.

Cognitive Dissonance

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two contradictory beliefs or values.

Social Loafing

The tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group than when working alone.

Groupthink

A phenomenon where the desire for harmony or conformity results in an irrational or dysfunctional decision-making outcome.

Conformity

The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience, often negative.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified generalizations about a group of people.

Discrimination

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, age, or sex.

Dispositional Attribution

Attributing someone's behavior to their personality or character.

Situational Attribution

Attributing someone's behavior to external factors or situations.

Allport’s Contact Hypothesis

A theory suggesting that under appropriate conditions interpersonal contact is one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice.

Positive Illusions

The belief that one's partner has certain traits that may not be accurate, beneficial for relationship satisfaction.

Cognitive Dissonance Reduction

Strategies that individuals use to resolve the discomfort of cognitive dissonance.

Ethical Concerns in Psychology

Considerations regarding the moral implications of psychological studies, particularly concerning participants.

Attitude Change Techniques

Methods such as persuasion and cognitive dissonance used to alter an individual's attitude.

Charisma in Leadership

A personal quality of style and manner that makes an individual appealing and influential.

Emotional Intelligence

The ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions.

Cultural Context in Psychology

The influence of culture on psychological processes and behaviors.

Constructive Conflict Resolution

Approaches aimed at resolving disagreements in a way that is beneficial for all parties involved.

Healthy Relationship Traits

Characteristics that contribute to a successful and enduring relationship.

Social Influence

The effects of social interactions on an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Situational Factors

External circumstances or influences that affect behavior.