Chapter 1-9: Social Influence, Group Dynamics, and Cerebral Cortex Size

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on social influence, group formation, in-group/out-group dynamics, reciprocity, transitivity, and cerebral cortex size.

Social psychology

The study of how thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are influenced by other people and social context.

Social influence

Ways in which others' thoughts, behaviors, or feelings influence an individual.

Macro level (macro view)

A broad perspective examining how society and large groups affect behavior and thoughts.

Micro level

A focus on brain, neurons, and neural processes underlying social behavior.

Cerebral cortex

The outer layer of the brain associated with higher mental functions such as thinking, planning, and social understanding.

Higher mental functions

Cognitive abilities like reasoning, problem solving, and complex social cognition related to the cerebral cortex.

In-group

The group to which a person belongs; the 'us' group.

Out-group

A group to which a person does not belong; the 'them' group.

Group dynamics

How groups form, interact, compete for resources, and regulate behavior among members.

Reciprocity

Mutual exchange; helping someone increases the likelihood you will be helped in return.

Transitivity

If A is friends with B and B is friends with C, A is likely to become friends with C; a basis for forming groups.

Group formation

The process by which reciprocity and transitivity lead to stable in-group/out-group boundaries.

In-group/out-group distinction

Categorizing others as belonging to one's own group or not, and treating them differently as a result.

Outgroup homogeneity effect

The bias of viewing members of an out-group as more similar to each other than members of one’s own in-group.

Evolutionary benefits of group belonging

Advantages such as security, access to food, hunting efficiency, and mating opportunities when part of a group.