chapter 1 intro to social psych

What is the definition of social psychology?

Scientific study of the nature and causes of individual behavior and thought in social situations.

What is a hypothesis in scientific research?

An educated guess.

What is the method used in social psychology research?

Methods can include surveys and experiments.

What does the results section typically report in social psychology?

Statistics.

What is the conclusion in the context of a hypothesis?

It determines if the hypothesis is supported.

What is the focus of social perception within social psychology?

Forming impressions about others and interpreting information about them.

What did Asch's study demonstrate about social perception?

The role of central traits (such as warm/cold) significantly affects impressions.

What is social influence?

How others influence a person's thoughts and actions.

What are some examples of social influence?

Advertisements are one example.

What does social interaction study?

How the relationships between two or more people affect thoughts and behavior.

What concept explains the phenomenon of social loafing?

The tendency for people to put in less effort when working in a group.

What is the difference between social psychology and personality psychology?

Personality psychology focuses on the individual, while social psychology focuses on individuals in social situations.

What is the main focus of sociology in relation to psychology?

Sociology focuses on society and culture.

In terms of relationships, what common belief contrasts with social psychology’s findings on attraction?

The belief that opposites attract versus the idea that similar people attract.

What factors are couples most likely to be similar in?

Religious beliefs, political attitudes, and values.

What does the sociocultural perspective in social psychology examine?

The relationship between culture and social behavior.

What is the evolutionary perspective in social psychology?

Focuses on how some universal behaviors and strategies help us to survive.

What does social learning theory propose?

Social behavior is learned through reward and punishment and modeling.

What focus does social cognitive theory have?

It focuses on our thinking and interpretation of social situations.