psych 4.1-4.3

Attribution Theory

A theory explaining how we determine the causes of others' behavior, through situational or dispositional attributions.

Situational Attributions

Attributing someone's behavior to external or situational factors.

Dispositional Attributions

Attributing someone's behavior to internal traits or characteristics.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to overestimate the role of dispositional factors and underestimate situational factors in explaining others' behavior.

Self-Serving Bias

The tendency to attribute our successes to ourselves and our failures to external factors.

Actor-Observer Bias

The tendency to attribute our own actions to external factors while attributing others' actions to their internal traits.

Optimism

The belief in having control over one's life and viewing situations positively.

Pessimism

The expectation that outcomes will be negative or unfavorable.

Mere-Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where increased exposure to a stimulus enhances liking of it.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A belief or expectation that brings about actions that cause the belief to come true.

Upward Social Comparison

Comparing oneself to those perceived as better.

Downward Social Comparison

Comparing oneself to those perceived as worse.

Relative Deprivation Theory

The feeling that one is deprived of something compared to others.

Just World Phenomenon

The belief that people get what they deserve.

Prejudice

A negative attitude towards a group of people.

Discrimination

A negative behavior or action directed at a group of people.

Stereotype

A generalized belief or expectation about a group.

Explicit Attitudes/Bias

Clear and obvious expressions of prejudice, such as overt racism.

Implicit Attitudes/Bias

Subtle, unconscious attitudes often taught by society.

Ingroup

Groups we identify with and view as superior.

Outgroup

Groups we do not identify with and view as inferior.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others.

Belief Perseverance

The persistence of a belief despite contradictory evidence.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms existing beliefs.

Cognitive Dissonance

Mental discomfort felt when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Cognitive Consistency

The motivation to maintain harmony between beliefs and actions.

Social Norms

Unwritten rules of behavior that are understood and followed in a society.

Normative Social Influence

Pressure to conform in order to be accepted or avoid disapproval.

Informational Social Influence

Changing opinions based on the influence of others' views.

Peripheral Route to Persuasion

Persuasion that relies on emotional appeals rather than logic.

Central Route to Persuasion

Persuasion that relies on logical arguments and data.

Foot-in-the-Door Phenomenon

Starting with a small request to increase the chance of agreeing to a larger request later.

Door-in-the-Face Phenomenon

Beginning with a large request expected to be refused, then making a smaller request.

Halo Effect

The assumption that if a person has one positive characteristic, they have others as well.

Asch Conformity Experiment

An experiment demonstrating the influence of group opinion on individual decisions.

Conformity

Adjusting behavior or beliefs to align with those of a group.

Milgram Experiment

A study on obedience where participants believed they were delivering electric shocks to others.

Stanford Prison Experiment

A psychological study revealing the impact of assigned roles on behavior.

Individualistic Cultures

Cultures that emphasize personal traits and individuality.

Collectivist Cultures

Cultures that prioritize group goals and community over individual goals.

Multiculturalism

The acknowledgment and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Group Polarization

The enhancement of a group's prevailing tendencies through discussion.

Groupthink

A phenomenon where harmony in a group leads to poor decision-making.

Social Loafing

The tendency for individuals to exert less effort in a group than when working alone.

Deindividuation

Loss of self-awareness in groups, leading to disinhibited behavior.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The reduction of individual effort or accountability when others are present.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help when others are present.

Social Facilitation

The tendency to perform better on tasks when others are watching.

False Consensus Effect

The belief that one's opinions are more widely shared than they actually are.

Superordinate Goals

Goals that require cooperation between multiple groups to achieve.

Social Trap

A situation where individuals prioritize immediate rewards over long-term consequences.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the welfare of others.

Social Responsibility

The expectation that individuals will help others and contribute to society.

Social Reciprocity Norm

The expectation that helping others will lead to future help in return.