Self and Society Exam #2

Source of Communication

Factors like credibility, attractiveness, and similarity of the communicator that affect persuasion. (Ex: Celebrity endorsements in advertising; political leaders with relatable personal stories.)

Foot-in-the-door technique

A persuasion method where small requests lead to larger requests. (Ex: asking for a survey response and later requesting donations)

Lowballing

A compliance tactic where an initial low-cost deal is offered but later changes.

Scarcity principle

The tendency to favor something that is perceived as limited in availability.

Inoculation effect

A method of strengthening attitudes by exposing people to weak counterarguments.

Physical Aggression

Intentional harm through physical means, such as fighting or domestic abuse.

Relational Aggression

Harm caused through damage to relationships, such as gossiping or exclusion.

Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis

The idea that aggression is a result of blocked goals. When individuals are prevented from achieving their objectives, they may respond with aggressive behavior.

Cultures of Honor

Societies that justify aggression to defend one's honor.

Catharsis Myth

The debunked idea that venting anger reduces aggression. (Ex: hitting a punching bag)

Prejudice

Negative attitudes directed toward a group, including racial, gender, and religious discrimination

Discrimination

Unequal treatment of individuals based on their group membership.

Stereotyping Threat

Fear of confirming stereotypes leads to decreased performance (ex: women performing worse in math tests when reminded of gender stereotypes)

Scapegoating

Blaming an out-group for problems faced by a society. psychological mechanism is displacement of frustration onto vulnerable groups

Social Identity Theory

A theory explaining in-group favoritism and out-group bias. (ex: rivalries between sports fans)

Realistic Conflict Theory

A theory suggesting competition for scarce resources leads to prejudice. (ex: anti immigration during economic downturns)

Stereotype Threat

The fear of confirming negative stereotypes, affecting performance.

Implicit Bias

Unconscious associations that influence behavior, often measured by tests.

Logical vs emotional appeals

Logical appeals rely on reason and evidence, while emotional appeals target feelings and values to persuade an audience.

one sided vs two sided arguments

One-sided arguments present only one perspective, while two-sided arguments acknowledge opposing viewpoints, enhancing credibility.

Audience Characteristics

self esteem, age, prior beliefs, and resistance to persuasion (Ex: younger audiences are more likely to be influenced by social media)

Role of media contagion and emotional contagion

Media contagion refers to the spread of behaviors, emotions, or trends through media channels, influencing public perception and behavior. Emotional contagion is the phenomenon where one person's emotional expressions and experiences can be 'contagious,' leading others to feel similar emotions.

Biological Influences of Aggression

genetic predispositions, hormonal influences (such as higher levels of testosterone), brain structures (like the amygdala, which is associated with emotions and aggression), evolutionary advantage

Structural Strain Theory

A theory suggesting that society establishes goals that not everyone can achieve, creating pressure that can lead to conformity, deviance, or criminal behavior as individuals try to reach those goals.

Implicit bias

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence understanding and actions, potentially leading to unintentional discrimination.