Social Psychology Vocabulary (4.3)

Social Influence Theory

The theory that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by the presence and actions of others—both real and imagined.

Normative Social Influence

Going along with the group to fit in, be liked, or avoid rejection.

Informational Social Influence

Going along with the group because you believe they know something you don't; you trust their information.

Social Facilitation

You perform better on easy or well-learned tasks when other people are watching.

Group Polarization

A group's discussion makes their existing opinions become more extreme.

Foot in the Door

A persuasion technique. You start with a small request (that they'll say yes to), then follow up with the bigger request you really want.

Door in the Face

A persuasion technique. You start with a huge, unreasonable request (that they'll say no to), then follow up with a smaller, reasonable request (which now seems better in comparison).

Individualism

Cultures that prioritize ("I" or "me"). Focus is on personal goals, uniqueness, and independence.

Collectivism

Cultures that prioritize the group ("we"). Focus is on group harmony, interdependence, and fitting in.

Multiculturalism

The view that diverse cultures in a society should be preserved and celebrated as unique, rather than all being blended into one "melting pot."

Superordinate Goal

A shared goal that can only be achieved if two (or more) conflicting groups work together. (This is a great way to reduce prejudice).

Elaboration Likelihood Model

A theory that says people are persuaded in two ways: either by thinking hard about the message (Central Route) or by superficial cues (Peripheral Route).

Central Route

Persuasion based on facts, logic, and the quality of the argument. It requires active thinking.

Peripheral Route

Persuasion based on superficial cues like the speaker's attractiveness, celebrity endorsement, catchy music, or emotional appeal.

Halo Effect

The tendency to let one positive trait (like attractiveness or friendliness) influence your overall evaluation of a person, assuming their other traits are also good.

Social Norms

The unwritten rules for "normal" behavior in a group or society.

Groupthink

When the desire for group harmony becomes more important than making a good decision, so everyone avoids disagreeing.

Diffusion of Responsibility

Feeling less personally accountable for your actions (or inactions) when you are part of a group.

Social Loafing

Putting in less effort on a group task because you feel your individual work won't be noticed and you can blend into the crowd.

Deindividuation

The loss of self-awareness and personal responsibility when you're in a large, anonymous group. (Losing yourself in the crowd).

False Consensus Effect

The tendency to overestimate how many other people share your beliefs, opinions, and behaviors.

Social Traps

A situation where acting in your own immediate self-interest ends up hurting everyone (including yourself) in the long run.

Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologists

Psychologists who apply psych principles to the workplace to improve productivity, employee well-being, and company culture.

Burnout

A state of total exhaustion (physical, mental, and emotional) caused by long-term, unresolved stress (usually from work or school).

Altruism

A completely selfless act of helping, with no expectation of getting anything in return (not even praise).

Prosocial Behavior

Any action intended to benefit other people or society (e.g., helping, sharing, cooperating).

Social Debt

The personal feeling of "owing someone" a favor because they helped you. (This is the feeling that motivates the Reciprocity Norm).

Social Reciprocity Norm

The "unwritten rule" that you should "return the favor." You help me, I'll help you.

Social Responsibility Norm

The "unwritten rule" that we should help those who need help (like children or the elderly), even if they can't pay us back.

Bystander Effect

The more people who are present during an emergency, the less likely any one person is to help.