Psych Chapter 11

What is social psychology?

The study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others.

What is the bystander effect, and why does it happen?

People are less likely to help when others are present. It happens because of diffusion of responsibility and assuming someone else will help.

What are stereotypes?

Generalized beliefs about a group of people.

What is stereotype threat, how does it contribute to prejudice, and what can be done about it?

Anxiety about confirming a negative stereotype about your group, which can hurt performance. It can be reduced by challenging stereotypes, creating supportive environments, and emphasizing individual ability.

What is attribution theory? Identify the three dimensions.

How people explain the causes of behavior. The three dimensions are internal/external, stable/unstable, and controllable/uncontrollable.

What is the fundamental attribution error (FAE)?

Overestimating personality factors and underestimating situational factors when explaining someone else's behavior. Example: Assuming a student is lazy because they are late instead of considering that their car broke down.

What are attitudes and how do they influence behavior?

Attitudes are evaluations or feelings toward people, objects, or ideas. They can influence how we think, feel, and behave.

What is cognitive dissonance, and how can we reduce it?

Discomfort from conflicting beliefs or behaviors. We can reduce it by changing our behavior, changing our beliefs, or rationalizing the inconsistency.

What is altruism and how is it different from egoism?

Altruism = helping others without expecting a reward. Egoism = behavior motivated by self-interest.

What is empathy and how does it affect prosocial behavior?

Understanding and sharing another person's feelings. Empathy can increase helping and prosocial behavior.

What is aggression? What causes aggression?

Behavior intended to harm someone. Causes include biological factors, psychological factors, and sociocultural influences.

What is conformity? What are two factors that contribute to it?

Changing behavior or beliefs to match a group. Factors include group pressure and desire to fit in.

What is obedience?

Following the commands of an authority figure.

What is deindividuation and how does it influence behavior?

Loss of self-awareness and personal responsibility in a group, which can lead to more impulsive or aggressive behavior.

What is groupthink? How can it be prevented?

When a group prioritizes agreement over critical thinking. It can be prevented by encouraging disagreement, considering alternatives, and having independent opinions.

What is prejudice and what factors contribute to it?

A negative attitude or feeling toward a group. Factors include stereotypes, social learning, competition, and in-group bias.

What is systematic racism and how does it work?

Racism built into social institutions, policies, and systems, which can create unequal outcomes between racial groups.

What are microaggressions?

Subtle, often unintentional comments or behaviors that communicate negative or insulting messages toward a marginalized group.

What is discrimination?

Unfair behavior or actions toward someone because of their group membership.

What is the difference between prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination?

Prejudice = Affect (Feelings/attitudes). Stereotypes = Cognition (Beliefs/thoughts). Discrimination = Action (Behavior).