Social Psych Flashcards

Social Loafing

Tendency for individuals to exert less effort in a group compared to when working alone. Can occur due to diffusion of responsibility and reduced accountability.

Attribution Error

The tendency to attribute others' behavior to internal factors (personality, character) rather than external factors (situational factors).

Social Facilitation

The tendency for individuals to perform better on simple tasks and worse on complex tasks when in the presence of others.

Halo Effect

The tendency for positive impressions of a person, company, country, brand, or product in one area to positively or negatively influence one's opinion or feelings.

Group Think

A phenomenon where individuals in a group prioritize conformity and consensus over critical thinking, leading to flawed decision-making and stifling of dissenting opinions.

Stereotype

A generalized belief or assumption about a particular group of people, often based on limited information or personal biases.

Prejudice

An unfair and negative attitude towards a person or group based on preconceived notions or stereotypes.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on certain characteristics such as race, gender, or age.

Altruism

Behavior motivated by selflessness and concern for the well-being of others, without expecting anything in return.

Attribution Theory

This theory explores how people interpret and explain behavior. It suggests that behavior is attributed to internal factors (personality, abilities) or external factors (situational factors).

Social Psychology

Field of psychology that studies how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others.

Social Norms

Unwritten rules that shape behavior, vary across cultures, and influence our actions, beliefs, and attitudes. They help maintain order, promote cooperation, and define social expectations.

Group Polarization

The tendency for a group to make more extreme decisions or hold more extreme views than its individual members had before the group discussion.

Scapegoat Theory

Theory that attributes blame or negative outcomes to a person or group, regardless of their actual involvement.

Asch Experiment

A social psychology experiment where participants were shown lines of different lengths and asked to match them. Confederates purposely gave incorrect answers, resulting in conformity.

First Impressions

The initial opinions formed about a person, situation, or event based on limited information and brief encounters.

The 5 Factors of Attraction

Proximity, reciprocal liking, similarity, physical attraction, responsiveness

Deindividuation

Loss of individual identity and self-awareness in a group setting, leading to a decrease in inhibitions and an increase in impulsive and deviant behavior.

Attitude

A mental state or disposition towards someone or something, which influences behavior and perception.

Cognitive Dissonance

Psychological discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Passionate Love

Intense and fervent affection and attraction towards someone, characterized by strong emotions, desire, and a deep connection.

Mere Exposure Effect

A phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things they are exposed to more often, even if they are unaware of it.

Conformity

The tendency to adjust one's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors to match those of a larger group or societal norms, often due to social pressure or the desire to fit in.

Companionate Love

Type of love characterized by deep affection, intimacy, and commitment. It is a long-term, stable love that develops over time, often in long-term relationships or marriages.

Bystander Effect

The psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a person in need when others are present.