Psych unit 2

social cognition

The way we interpret, remember, analyse and use information to make judgements about others in different social situations and the social world.

eg., Your friend is quiet, so you assume they are sad or upset.

Attributions

Evaluation made about the causes of the behaviour + process of making this evaluation.

eg., you pass a test, and you think “I’m so smart”; when you fail a test, you blame it on “The teacher made it too hard.”

Person perception

The mental process we use to understand and form impressions of others.

eg. If someone has a lot of piercings and tattoos, they might be seen as less than someone who doesn’t have these accessories.

Cognitive Biases

Trying to make sure we view things in a way that we do not experience discomfort

eg., Your footy team wins, and you say it was all because of them, but when they lose, its bc of the umpires.

stereotype

Process of grouping or filtering people into a category based on their characteristics
eg. Men are stronger then women

Prejudice

Commonly defined as a negative perception held against people within a certain group or social category.

eg. The idea that rich people are ungrateful, so they are angry at people who look to be as rich.

Discrimination

Negative behaviour that is directed towards a social group and its members.

eg. being racist towards a group.

Social Groups

2 or more individuals who interact and share a common objective.

eg. Working together to make a sale on a property.

Group Norms

Unwritten rules and expectations that guide how a group thinks, feels and behaves.

eg. It is an unspoken rule to come to footy training every Thursday to be able to play on a Sat.

Social Identity Theory

Creates people to favour their in-group over an out-group, in order to enhance their self esteme.
eg. You think 10A is better then 10B

Conformity

Adjusting one's thoughts, feelings or behaviours to match those of that particular group.

Eg., you were told your clothes were ugly and this made you feel uncomfortable, so you go out and buy new clothes to conform.

obedience

When we comply with commands that are given by a source of authority.

eg., your teacher tells you to put your phone away in class, and you obey because they are an authority figure.