Social Psychology: Group Dynamics, Biases, and Discrimination

Flashcards testing knowledge of group dynamics, cognitive biases, in-group/out-group relations, prejudice, discrimination, and related social psychology concepts from Chapters 1 through 7.

What two key factors are identified in the transcript as primary components that make people congregate?

Proximity (being physically close to others, such as sharing a schedule or seating area) and similarity (people who look, act, talk, dress, or hang out in the same places).

Besides proximity and similarity, what two factors are mentioned as contributing to social inclusion and attraction?

Self-disclosure (people sharing details about themselves during icebreakers or getting-to-know-you activities) and physical attractiveness (good-looking people naturally drawing a following).

How does the transcript define the fundamental attribution error?

Overstating one's own personal traits, skills, and achievements while understating or minimizing the role of situational factors and the assistance of others in attaining success.

How is the self-serving bias defined in the transcript?

A cognitive bias where an individual takes full internal credit when things go well, but places blame on external factors or someone else when something goes wrong or goes awry.

According to social psychologists mentioned in the transcript, how powerful is the social situation compared to the individual?

The power of the social situation and context is considered much more powerful than any single individual could ever be.

What is the core distinction between an in-group and an out-group?

The in-group consists of the insular circle of people like us ("us"), whereas the out-group consists of the people not like us ("them").

How is prejudice defined in the lecture transcript?

Prejudice is a learned, socially acquired bias consisting of negative attitudes, thoughts, or feelings toward people who are not part of one's group.

What is the key difference between prejudice and discrimination?

Prejudice refers to internal negative attitudes and feelings, whereas discrimination involves taking a negative action that harms, holds back, or withhold benefits/resources from someone because they belong to another group.

What examples of discrimination are provided in the transcript?

Being denied a car loan despite good finances due to race or country of origin, or being fired, denied a promotion, or withheld travel opportunities due to pregnancy.

How do individuals treat members of their in-group compared to nonmembers?

Individuals readily share resources and information with in-group members, but are more likely to exclude, withhold resources, or withhold information from nonmembers.

What is the "like me" hypothesis in social psychology?

A hypothesis stating that people identify with others who are similar to them based on demographics (such as race, religion, ethnicity, income, age, and gender) or shared social activities.

What factors are cited as causes of prejudice and increased social distance?

A lack of visual or stylistic similarity (including skin tone and clothing) and concerns or competition over limited resources (such as food, water, money, land, or jobs).

What is scapegoating according to the transcript?

Blaming another group for one's own problems, fears, or anticipated issues.

How does news media influence social stereotypes according to the lecture?

Media outlets and news (especially online and TV news) exaggerate stories, which amplifies and magnifies social stereotypes.

What is dehumanization, and what effect does it have on behavior?

Dehumanization occurs when people in one group stop viewing members of another group as human, treating them instead as objects, numbers, animals, or creatures; this makes it easier to carry out harmful actions or discrimination against them.

What does the transcript state regarding the development and persistence of bullying?

Bullying acts like an intrinsic trait where individuals learn early in childhood the upper limits of what they can get away with without actionable consequences or legal repercussions, carrying this behavior into adulthood.

What is the egalitarian ideal described in the lecture's conclusion?

A utopian concept where all people are treated as equals, receive equal resources, and are paid and treated equally.