Social Psychology and Personality Study Guide

A series of flashcards containing key concepts and definitions related to social psychology and personality theories for exam preparation.

Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE)

The tendency to overestimate internal factors (personality) and underestimate external factors (situation) when explaining others’ behaviors.

Internal Attribution

Attributing behavior to personal traits or disposition.

External Attribution

Attributing behavior to situational factors.

Distinctiveness

How differently a person behaves in different situations.

Consensus

How others behave in the same situation.

Consistency

How a person behaves across time in similar situations.

Central Route

Persuasion via logical arguments and evidence; leads to long-lasting attitude change.

Peripheral Route

Persuasion via superficial cues (e.g., attractiveness, emotions); usually temporary attitude change.

Conformity

Changing behavior or beliefs to match group norms.

Compliance

Agreeing to a request from someone without direct authority.

Conversion

Deep, long-term attitude change as a result of persuasion or social influence.

Normative Social Influence

Conforming to be liked or accepted.

Informational Social Influence

Conforming because we believe others have accurate information.

Implicit Prejudice

Unconscious negative attitudes toward a group.

Explicit Prejudice

Conscious negative attitudes toward a group.

Just World Hypothesis

Belief that people get what they deserve.

Scapegoating

Blaming a person or group for problems not entirely their fault.

Bystander Effect

Individuals are less likely to help in an emergency when others are present.

Social Facilitation

Presence of others enhances performance on simple tasks and worsens it on complex tasks.

Chameleon Effect

Mimicking others’ behaviors unconsciously.

Obedience

Complying with orders from an authority figure.

Stereotypes

Generalized beliefs about a group of people.

Freud’s Structure

Id (pleasure), Ego (reality), Superego (morality).

Levels of Consciousness

Unconscious, Preconscious, Conscious.

Defense Mechanisms

Psychological strategies used to cope with anxiety and protect the ego from unconscious impulses.

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by anxiety, emotional instability, and moodiness.

Reciprocal Determinism

Interaction of behavior, cognition, and environment.

Social Comparison

Comparing oneself to others, either upward (to those better off) or downward (to those worse off).

Cultural Influences

The impact of cultural context on behaviors and attitudes, such as individualism vs. collectivism.

Humanistic Psychology

Emphasizes self-actualization and unconditional positive regard (Carl Rogers).

Abnormality

Typically defined by dysfunction, distress, deviance, and danger.

DSM

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – classifies disorders and provides criteria.

Anxiety Disorders

Include phobias, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety, linked to neurotransmitters.

Mood Disorders

Include depression and bipolar disorder, related to genetic and environmental factors.

Dissociative Disorders

Include Dissociative Identity Disorder and Depersonalization/Derealization.

Personality Disorders

Enduring maladaptive patterns, such as borderline and antisocial personality disorders.

Schizophrenia

A psychotic disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive deficits.

Obsessions & Compulsions

Recurrent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, as seen in OCD.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

Physical symptoms without a medical explanation.