Political Psychology Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to political psychology, social dynamics, and economic policies relevant to the lecture notes.

Political Psychology

The study of psychological factors that influence political behavior, decision making, and group dynamics.

Social Brain Hypothesis

The theory suggesting that humans have evolved to be social beings, and that social groups play an essential role in survival and psychological well-being.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that explains how individuals identify with groups and how this influences their behaviors and attitudes towards others.

Ingroup vs. Outgroup

Ingroup refers to a social group with which a person identifies, while outgroup refers to groups with which the person does not identify.

Affective Polarization

The phenomenon where partisan identities are associated with negative feelings towards opposing party members.

Partisan Bias

The tendency for people's knowledge and beliefs to be influenced by their political affiliations, leading to distorted interpretation of facts.

Social Welfare

Government programs that provide assistance to those in need and aim to improve the social and economic conditions of the population.

Motivated Political Reasoning

The cognitive process where individuals interpret information or arrive at conclusions that align with their preexisting beliefs, often disregarding evidence.

Collective Goals

Shared aims or objectives achieved through group efforts, reflecting the members' common interests.

Political Attitudes

Established beliefs and feelings regarding political subjects, which are often shaped by group loyalty and identity.