Psych

Social Psychology

The study of how social variables and cognitions impact individual behavior and social interaction.

Social Context

The real, imagined, or symbolic presence of others, and the activities, interactions, settings, and social norms influencing behavior.

Situationism

The view that environmental conditions influence behavior more than personal disposition.

Dispositionism

The view that internal factors, such as genes and traits, have a greater influence on behavior than situational context.

Social Roles

Socially defined patterns of behavior expected of individuals in a given setting or group.

Social Norms

Group expectations for what is considered appropriate and acceptable behavior among its members in certain situations.

Conformity

The tendency to adjust behaviors, attitudes, and opinions to align with group members.

Asch Effect

A form of conformity where the majority group influences individual judgments.

Normative Social Influence

Influence driven by a desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval from others.

Informational Social Influence

Influence resulting from acceptance of others' opinions about reality.

Milgram's Obedience Study

A study demonstrating that many people will follow authority figures to the point of inflicting pain on others.

Groupthink

A mode of thinking where the desire for harmony overrides realistic appraisal of alternatives.

Social Loafing

The tendency for individuals in a group to put in less effort when working collectively towards a common goal.

Social Facilitation

The tendency for people to perform better on tasks in the presence of others.

Cognitive Dissonance

A state of mental discomfort arising from conflicting cognitions, leading individuals to change their beliefs or behaviors.

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to emphasize personal traits and disregard situational factors when evaluating others' behavior.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other bystanders are present.