Social Psychology (copy)

The Power of the Situation

The idea that situational factors can exert a significant influence on individual behaviors.

Kitty Genovese Story

A well-known case illustrating bystander apathy.

Smoke-Filled Room Study

Study by Darley & Latané (1968) showing that 75% of participants reported smoke when alone, but only 10% did so when with others.

Seizure Study

Study showing that 85% sought help when alone, compared to 31% in the presence of others.

Bystander Effect

The presence of others decreases the likelihood of helping behavior.

Pluralistic Ignorance

Everyone assumes others are not concerned, thus no one acts.

Conformity

Adjusting behavior or thinking to align with a group.

Normative Social Influence

Adhering to social norms to avoid rejection and gain approval.

Informational Social Influence

Conforming because we assume the group possesses more information.

Asch's Line Judgment Study

Study showing 1/3 conformed on a trial; 75% conformed at least once.

Obedience

Compliance with a direct request from an authority figure.

Milgram Experiment

Investigated the willingness to obey authority despite moral objections, finding 65% administered the highest shock.

Internal Attribution

Assigning behavior to personal factors, such as personality.

External Attribution

Assigning behavior to situational factors, such as environment.

Fundamental Attribution Error

Overestimating internal influences while underestimating external factors in others’ behaviors.

Prejudice

An unjustifiable negative attitude toward a group and its members.

Explicit Prejudice

Consciously held negative attitudes.

Implicit Prejudice

Automatic, unconscious associations that influence behavior.

Ingroup Bias

Favoring one's own group, which can lead to prejudice against others.

Factors Influencing Attraction

Include familiarity, similarity, reciprocity, and matching hypothesis.

Importance of Self-Disclosure

Sharing personal information deepens relationships and builds trust.

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

Composed of intimacy, passion, and commitment leading to different types of love.

Predictors of Divorce

Criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling (The Four Horsemen).