Unit 4 AP Pysch Final Review

Fundamental Attribution Error

Overestimating personality and underestimating situation when judging others. Example: Thinking someone is rude for cutting you off, instead of them being in a hurry.

Actor-Observer Bias

Explaining your own behavior by situation but others’ by personality. Example: You fail a test because it was hard, but others fail because they are lazy.

Locus of Control

Belief about whether you control outcomes (internal vs external). Example: Internal = “I did well because I studied,” External = “I got lucky or the test was easy.”

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A belief that causes behavior which makes it come true. Example: Thinking you will fail a test → don’t study → actually fail.

In-Group

Group you belong to. Example: Your friend group or school.

Out-Group

Group you do not belong to. Example: Rival school students.

In-Group Bias

Preference for your own group over others. Example: Thinking your school is better than others.

Cognitive Dissonance

Mental discomfort from conflicting beliefs or actions. Example: Knowing smoking is bad but continuing to smoke and feeling guilty.

Central Route

Thinking logically using facts when persuaded. Example: Buying a phone after comparing specs and reviews.

Peripheral Route

Being persuaded by superficial cues like appearance or emotions. Example: Buying a product because a celebrity endorses it.

Foot-in-the-Door

Small request first leads to larger request. Example: Agreeing to a survey, then later agreeing to donate money.

Door-in-the-Face

Big request first, then smaller request is accepted. Example: Asked for $100 donation, then asked for $10 instead.

Social Facilitation

Better performance on easy tasks when others are watching. Example: Running faster in a race with an audience.

Social Loafing

People put in less effort in groups. Example: In group project, one person does most of the work.

Group Polarization

Group discussion leads to more extreme views. Example: A group becomes more extreme in political opinions after talking.

Altruism

Helping others without expecting reward. Example: Donating anonymously to charity.

False Consensus Effect

Overestimating how much others agree with you. Example: Thinking most people share your opinion on a topic.

Sublimation

Channeling negative impulses into positive actions. Example: Using anger to perform better in sports.

Conscientiousness

Trait of being organized, responsible, and disciplined. Example: Always finishing homework early and staying organized.

Extraversion

Trait of being outgoing and social. Example: Enjoying talking to new people and being energetic in groups.

Primary Drive

Innate biological needs for survival. Example: Hunger or thirst pushing you to eat or drink.

Secondary Drive

Learned needs based on rewards or environment. Example: Studying hard to get good grades or money.

Drive Reduction Theory

Behavior is motivated to reduce internal tension from unmet needs. Example: Eating food to reduce hunger.

Overjustification Effect

External rewards reduce internal motivation. Example: A kid who enjoys drawing stops liking it after being paid for it.

Approach-Approach Conflict

Choosing between two desirable options. Example: Choosing between two fun colleges or two favorite events.

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

Choosing between two undesirable options. Example: Choosing between doing homework or cleaning your room.

Broaden-and-Build Theory

Positive emotions expand thinking and help build long-term resources. Example: Feeling happy makes you more creative and better at solving problems.