WEEKS 4-6: Prejudice, Attitudes, and Social Influence

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to prejudice, attitudes, and social influence, providing definitions of important terms to aid in review for the exam.

Prejudice

A negative feeling toward a person based on their group membership.

Discrimination

Negative behavior toward individuals based on their group membership.

Stereotypes

Beliefs about traits that can be associated with a certain group of people.

Racism

Prejudice based on a person's race.

Sexism

Prejudice based on a person's gender.

Ageism

Prejudice based on a person's age.

Implicit Bias

Bias that occurs unconsciously and can lead to discriminatory behavior.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors.

Dehumanization

Perceiving individuals as less than human.

Ambivalent Sexism

A blend of hostile and benevolent attitudes toward women.

Stereotype Threat

Fear that one will confirm negative stereotypes about their group.

Social Identity Theory

The theory that a person’s self-concept is based on their group memberships.

Realistic Group Conflict Theory

The theory that conflict arises from competition for limited resources.

Social Dominance Orientation

The desire to see one's in-group as dominant over other groups.

Contact Hypothesis

The idea that intergroup contact can reduce prejudice.

Attitude

An individual's evaluation of a person, object, or idea that is typically consistent.

Cognitive Dissonance

The psychological discomfort experienced when holding conflicting thoughts or beliefs.

Conformity

The act of changing one's behavior to match the responses of others.

Obedience

Changing behavior in response to a direct command from an authority figure.