Social Psychology

Social Psychology

Seeks to understand, explain, and predict how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Social Cognition

How we perceive and interpret ourselves and others in our social world.

ABC Model of Attitudes

A model representing attitudes through three components: Affective (feelings), Behavioral (actions), and Cognitive (beliefs).

Affective Component

How we feel towards an object, e.g., "I am afraid of tigers."

Behavioral Component

How we behave toward an object, e.g., "I run away from tigers."

Cognitive Component

What we believe about an object, e.g., "Tigers are dangerous."

Pro-War Attitude

An attitude characterized by emotions of fear regarding the world and support for pro-conflict political candidates.

Cognitive Dissonance

Emotional discomfort as a result of holding contradictory beliefs or holding a belief that contradicts behavior.

Self-Perception Alternative

Inferring our attitudes by observing our own behavior when uncertain about them.

Attitude Specificity

The more specific the attitudes, the more likely they are to predict behavior.

Social Desirability

Attitudes that mirror what we think others desire in a person.

Stereotypes

Fixed, overgeneralized beliefs about a person or a group based on assumptions.

Prejudice

Negative and unjust feelings about individuals based on their group membership.

Discrimination

Negative and unjust treatment of individuals based on stereotypes and prejudices.

Groupthink

Faulty group decision making as a result of trying too hard to agree.

Altruism

Self-sacrificing behavior carried out for the benefit of others.

Bystanding Effect

The more people present, the less likely any one will attempt to help.

Aggression

Broad range of behaviors intended to harm others.

Sternberg Theory of Love

Consummate love includes elements of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Secure Attachment

Comfortable with dependence, does not fear closeness or abandonment.

Insecure Attachment

Includes avoidant attachment (difficulty trusting others) and anxious attachment (worry about partner's love).