Social Psychology Exam Review

This flashcard set covers key concepts and questions from the lecture notes on social psychology, including definitions, important studies, and research methods.

What is social psychology?

The scientific study of how people think, feel, and behave in a social context.

Do social situations influence behavior?

Yes — social situations strongly shape thoughts, feelings, and actions.

How are stereotypes formed, and are they always correct?

Stereotypes form through social learning and cognitive shortcuts; they are often inaccurate.

Do nonverbal behaviors influence perception?

Yes — facial expressions, posture, and tone strongly affect impressions.

Why do people conform to social norms?

To gain approval, avoid rejection, or because they believe the group is correct.

Why do people obey authority?

Social pressure, perceived legitimacy of authority, and fear of consequences.

What factors influence attraction?

Proximity, similarity, physical attractiveness, and reciprocal liking.

What increases prosocial behavior?

Empathy, mood, social norms, and seeing others help.

What promotes aggression?

Frustration, provocation, heat, alcohol, and aggressive role models.

Why are humans considered a social species?

Our brains, minds, and bodies evolved for social living and cooperation.

Why is common sense unreliable?

It contradicts itself and cannot be tested; scientific methods are needed.

What is the social brain hypothesis?

Humans evolved large brains to manage complex social groups.

How does social connection affect health?

Strong social ties improve wellbeing; isolation increases physical and mental health risks.

What is the difference between multicultural and crosscultural research?

Crosscultural compares different cultures; multicultural examines groups within one culture.

How do expectations from others affect self-perception?

Even inaccurate expectations can shape identity and performance.

What predicts life satisfaction most strongly?

Close, supportive relationships.

What does the marshmallow study show?

Delayed gratification predicts later success.

What is behavioral economics?

The study of how psychological factors influence economic decisions.

What is the difference between a population and a sample?

Population: the entire group of interest; Sample: the people actually surveyed.

What is statistical significance?

When results are unlikely due to chance (less than 5% probability).

What is deception in research?

Using confederates or misleading information to study behavior.

When is informed consent required?

In face-to-face or potentially risky studies.

What are the major features of social psychology?

Uses the scientific method, focuses on beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and public behaviors, emphasizes how others impact the self, and studies social perception, social influence, and social relations.

What is the purpose of operational definitions in research?

A specific way a conceptual variable is measured.

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Basic research tests theories or builds knowledge; applied research aims at solving real-world problems.

What is construct validity?

The degree to which a measure actually assesses what it claims to measure.

What is random sampling?

Ensuring every person in a population has an equal chance of being selected.

What is interrater reliability?

The degree to which multiple observers agree.

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The manipulated variable.

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

The outcome measured.

Why is replication important in research?

It helps confirm findings and ensures results hold across samples and contexts.