AP PSYCH u4 - social psychology

(attribution theory) dispositional vs situation attribution

theory that we assign causal explanations to people’s behavior : based on situation or disposition

person perception

how we make impressions of people, including ourselves, and how we attribute behavior

explanatory style

a pattern of attributions that are relatively predictable; events are interpreted pessimistically or optimistically

actor-observer bias

when we attribute behavior to situation as the actor, and to disposition as an observer in the same situation

fundamental attribution error

tendency to underestimate the impact of a situation on other’s behavior and overestimate the impact of disposition

self serving bias

tendency to perceive ourselves more favorably than others

mirror image perceptions

where conflicting parties see themselves as good and opponents as evil

mere exposure effect

tendency to like something new more with repeated exposure

internal vs external locus of control

believing we’re responsible vs believing someone/thing else is responsible

self fulfilling prophecy

changing behavior in the hopes that the anticipated event (prophecy) will actually happen

social comparison

act of comparing ourself to others to see if we’re succeeding or failing

stereotype

generalized and often inaccurate belief about a group of people

prejudice

irrational + negative attitude about a group’s members : predisposition to discrimination

discrimination

unjustifiable behavior towards a group + it’s members

implicit attitudes / bias

thoughts and behavior that are based on unconscious or implicit bias

just world phenomenon

tendency for people to believe the world is just and people will get what they deserve

out group

‘them’ : people who are perceived as different or apart from the group

in group bias

‘us’ : tendency to favor our group and people we share a common identity with

ethnocentrism

belief that one’s ethnicity is better, so they’re elevated above others in their mind

cognitive dissonance

theory that we work to reduce discomfort form inconsistent thoughts and behavior

social norms

society’s assumed rules for coders me and expected behavior - proper behavior

normative social influence

desire to gain approval or avoid diss approval can shape behavior to follow norms

informational social influence

one’s behavior may change because they gain new information

persuasion

changing other’s attitudes and postnatal influencing their actions

central route persuasion

usage of evidence and arguments to persuade people who are already interested

peripheral route persuasion

usage of additional cues to persuade people (music, visuals, attractive people)

halo effect

the ideas that beautiful/charismatic people are particularly smart and trustworthy

foot in the door phenomenon

starting with a small request leads to greater compliance to a bigger request

door in the face phenomenon

starting big with the intention of rejection in order to make your actual request seem smaller and more agreeable

conformity

changing your behavior / thinking to match the group’s opinion

obedience

tendency to follow orders, implied or real, from a perceived authority figure

individualism vs collectivism

focusing on personal achievement vs focusing on group’s success

tight vs loose culture

tight has clearly defined and imposed norms, while loose has flexible and lax norms

group polarization

tendency for group discussions to make more support for group opinions - usually more extreme than original opinion

groupthink

when connective was in a group is prioritized over realistically considering issues

diffusion of responsibility

people feel less responsible if more are around

social loafing

tendency to exert less effort in groups working towards a task

deindividuation

weakening of normal restraints on behavior when in a group, leading to more impulsive acts

social facilitation

ye de ch to do better on tasks when working with others

false consensus effect

tendency to overestimate how much others share our beliefs

superordinate goals

shared, non competitive goals that override differences and require cooperation

social traps

where two groups are too busy pursuing self interest to help others, leading to more mutually destructive behavior

altruism

selfless regard for others’ wellbeing

reciprocity norm

idea that we’ll help those who helped us

bystander effect

tendency for a bystander to not help if others are around

social exchange theory

social behavior is an exchange to maximize benefits and minimize costs

scapegoat theory

prejudice serves as an outlet for anger by providing a scapegoat

other race effect

we recognize faces race our race better than other races

display rules

the unspoken rules in a culture for displaying emotion

attitude

a belief / feeling that preps u to respond in a certain way to people places things and ideas

role

a set of norms for a social position that dictates how someone should behave

aggression

any physical or verbal behavior designed to harm someone

frustration aggression principle

frustration (blocking of attempt to reach goal) leads to aggression

social script

a guide for how to act in situations that’s modeled off culture

passionate vs companionate love

passionate is early arousal and excitement while companionate is a deeper trust and connection to someone

equity

receiving what u put into a relationship (golden rule)

social responsibility norm

expectation that people will help those who need it