social psychilogy

Social Psychology

The scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

FAE

The tendency for observers to underestimate the impact of situational factors and overestimate the influence of personal disposition when explaining another person's behavior.

Cognitive dissonance

The psychological tension experienced when holding two contradictory beliefs, values, or actions, leading to an attitude shift to restore consistency.

Peripheral route persuasion

An indirect path to attitude change influenced by superficial cues, such as speaker attractiveness or emotional appeal, rather than logical arguments.

Central route persuasion

A direct path to attitude change that focuses on logical arguments, evidence, and factual content to convince an audience.

Conformity

The tendency to adjust one's opinions, judgments, or actions so that they align with group standards or expectations.

Normative social influence

The pressure to alter behavior to fit in, gain social approval, or avoid rejection from a group.

Informational social influence

The tendency to accept opinions and evidence from others based on the belief that they possess accurate knowledge about reality.

Obedience

The act of changing one's behavior in direct compliance with explicit orders or commands issued by an authority figure.

Deindividuation

The loss of self-awareness and personal restraint that occurs in group settings that foster anonymity and high emotional arousal.

Groupthink

A mode of thinking in cohesive teams where the desire for consensus and harmony suppresses critical evaluation of alternative perspectives.

Prejudice

An unjustified, typically negative attitude or preconceived evaluation toward individuals based solely on their group membership.

Discrimination

Unjustified negative or harmful actions directed toward individuals based on their membership in a particular group.

Just-world phenomenon

The cognitive belief that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get, assuming that the world is inherently fair.

Aggression

Any physical or verbal action intended to cause harm, injury, or distress to another entity against their will.

Social script

A culturally provided mental guideline detailing the expected behavioral sequences in specific situations.

Altruism

An unselfish concern for and action taken toward the welfare of others without regard for one's own self-interest.

Bystander effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene and help a victim in the presence of other witnesses.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

A prediction or expectation that indirectly causes itself to become reality due to behavioral changes driven by that belief.