Unit 4 AP Psychology

Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that regulates hunger and eating.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to blame a person’s behavior on disposition rather than situation.

Cognitive Dissonance

Occurs when there is an inconsistency between a person’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, causing discomfort.

Mere Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where repeated exposure to something leads to increased liking for it.

Random Sample

A method that ensures every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.

Outgroup Homogeneity Bias

The tendency to view members of an outgroup as more similar to each other than they actually are.

Stereotype

A generalized belief or assumption about a group of people, often oversimplified.

Groupthink

Occurs when a group values harmony and consensus over critical thinking, leading to poor decision-making.

Foot-in-the-door Technique

A persuasion strategy where a small favor is asked to increase the likelihood of agreeing to a larger request.

Door-in-the-face Technique

A persuasion strategy that involves making a large, unreasonable request followed by a smaller, reasonable request.

Deindividuation

The phenomenon where individuals in a group lose self-awareness and responsibility.

Group Polarization

The tendency for a group to make decisions that are more extreme than the initial inclinations of its members.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The tendency for individuals to feel less responsible to act when others are present.

Rationalization

A defense mechanism where people justify their behavior with logical reasons.

Projection

A defense mechanism where a person attributes their own undesirable thoughts to another person.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Acceptance and support of a person no matter what.

Sublimation

A defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are redirected into socially acceptable activities.

Denial

A defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or facts.

Self-efficacy

A person’s belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations.

Incentive Theory

A theory suggesting that behavior is motivated by external rewards.

Homeostatic Process

The body’s ability to maintain internal stability or balance.

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic is internal reward-driven, while extrinsic is external reward-driven.

Arousal Theory

Suggests people are motivated to achieve and maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

The idea that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.