Social Psychology Key Terms and Definitions

Flashcards covering key social psychology concepts, including correlational research, social influence, cognitive dissonance, persuasion, prejudice, self-concept, liking and loving, helping and hurting, and group dynamics.

Correlational Research

A research method that measures the relationship between two variables without manipulating them to find how strongly variables are associated.

Correlation Coefficient (r)

Ranges from -1.00 to +1.00 and indicates the direction and strength of the relationship between two variables.

Positive Correlation

As one variable (X) increases, the other variable (Y) also increases.

Negative Correlation

As one variable (X) increases, the other variable (Y) decreases.

Directionality Problem

In correlational research, the difficulty in determining whether X causes Y or Y causes X.

Third Variable Problem

A confounding variable that might cause both X and Y, leading to a spurious correlation.

Covariation

X and Y change together; correlational studies can measure this.

Temporal Precedence

X comes before Y; correlational studies may or may not establish this.

No Confounds

No third variable explains both X and Y; correlational studies cannot rule this out.

Experimental Research

Manipulates an independent variable (IV) and measures a dependent variable (DV), often with random assignment to conditions.

Conformity

Changing your behavior or beliefs to match a group without being asked or demanded to do so.

Informational Influence

Conforming because you think others have the right answer and you want to be correct.

Normative Influence

Conforming to be liked or accepted, even if you think the group is wrong.

Obedience

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

Norms

Social 'rules' for what’s acceptable behavior.

Roles

The expected behavior of someone in a given position.

Deindividuation

When individuals lose their sense of identity and personal responsibility in a group setting, leading to disinhibited behavior.

Cognitive Dissonance

A negative, uncomfortable emotional state that occurs when you hold two or more inconsistent thoughts or beliefs (cognitions), especially when your behavior conflicts with your self-image.

Insufficient Justification

Acting in a way that conflicts with your beliefs, especially without a strong external reason.

Persuasion

The process of changing someone’s attitudes or beliefs, usually through communication.

Central Route Persuasion

Persuasion through thoughtful, logical, fact-based analysis.

Peripheral Route Persuasion

Persuasion through surface-level cues like attractiveness, humor, or emotion.

Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)

Explains how attitudes change depending on how much mental effort (elaboration) the person gives to the message.

Heuristics

Mental shortcuts.

Prejudice

A negative attitude toward a group, involving emotions.

Stereotype

A belief about a group, often oversimplified.

Discrimination

Behavior that treats people unfairly based on group membership.

Institutional Discrimination

Discriminatory practices embedded in social structures (e.g., laws, policies).

Social Identity Theory

People categorize themselves into groups and boost self-esteem by favoring their own group.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

If others expect certain behaviors, they might unknowingly influence people to act in ways that confirm stereotypes.

Stereotype Threat

Worrying about confirming a stereotype can hurt performance.

Out-Group Homogeneity Effect

Thinking all members of an out-group are the same.

Self-Concept

Our identity is shaped by facts and experiences.

Looking-Glass Self

We see ourselves through how others treat us.

Self-Esteem

Based on beliefs about self-worth.

Self-Serving Bias

Taking credit for success, blaming failure on external factors.

Propinquity

Physical proximity increases attraction due to repeated exposure (mere exposure effect).

Reciprocal Liking

We like those who like us.

Equity Theory

Balance of contributions and benefits matters for relationship satisfaction.

Passionate Love

Intense longing and physical arousal.

Companionate Love

Deep affection and intertwined lives.

Altruism

Selfless help.

Egoism

Helping for self-gain.

Bystander Effect

The presence of others inhibits helping due to diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another person.

Social Facilitation

Improved performance on easy tasks and decreased performance on hard tasks when others are present.

Social Loafing

Reduced individual effort in group work.

Group Polarization

Group decisions more extreme than individuals’ decisions.

Groupthink

Poor decisions made by cohesive, isolated groups with directive leaders under stress.

Social Dilemmas

Situations where individual rationality leads to collective irrationality.