PSYC 330 Spring 2025 Exam 3 Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms, concepts, and theories discussed in the PSYC 330 lecture notes, providing a comprehensive review for Exam 3.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion or judgment about an individual or group that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Outgroup Homogeneity

The perception that members of an outgroup are more similar to each other than members of one's ingroup.

Social Dominance Orientation

A personality trait that predicts social and political attitudes and reflects an individual's preference for hierarchy in social relations.

Contact Hypothesis

The theory that under certain conditions, direct contact between conflicting groups can reduce prejudice.

Stereotype Threat

The risk of conforming to stereotypes about one's social group, which can hinder performance.

Institutional Discrimination

Systematic mistreatment of a group by societal institutions that creates and maintains inequality.

Realistic Conflict Theory

A theory that suggests prejudice arises from competition between groups for limited resources.

Scapegoat Theory

The theory that prejudice is directed against a group that is blamed for a problem or negative outcome.

Ambivalent Sexism

A theoretical perspective that suggests there are two forms of sexism: hostile and benevolent, which coexist and influence gender relations.

Old-fashioned Prejudice

Traditional, openly expressed forms of discrimination based on stereotypes.

Modern-symbolic Prejudice

More subtle forms of prejudice, often characterized by an outward rejection of traditional prejudiced beliefs while still holding negative sentiments.

Subtle Discrimination

Discrimination that is less overt and often manifests through microaggressions or implicit biases.

Racial Biases

Prejudiced attitudes towards individuals based on their race, which can result in discriminatory behavior and often have severe consequences.

Jigsaw Classroom Technique

An educational approach that promotes cooperation and reduces prejudice by having students work in diverse groups on shared tasks.

Kin Selection

A theory suggesting that individuals are more likely to help relatives to enhance the survival of shared genes.

Social Responsibility Norm

The expectation that individuals will help those who are dependent or in need.

Bystander Effect

A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present.

Prosocial Behavior

Actions that benefit others or society as a whole.

Altruism

Selfless concern for the well-being of others, often involving personal sacrifice.

Norm of Reciprocity

The social rule that suggests people should return favors or help those who have helped them.

Social Exchange Theory

The theory that human relationships are formed by the use of a subjective cost-benefit analysis and the comparison of alternatives.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual acts and when the individual observes the same action performed by another.

Urban Overload Hypothesis

The theory that urban environments can overwhelm individuals, leading to reduced helping behavior.

Diffusion of Responsibility

The tendency for individuals to feel less obligated to help when others are present.

Pluralistic Ignorance

A psychological state where individuals mistakenly believe that their thoughts and feelings are different from those of the group.

Kitty Genovese Case

A famous incident in which a woman was murdered while bystanders failed to intervene, highlighting the bystander effect.

Latané and Darley’s Five-Step Model

A model describing the stages a person goes through when deciding to help, including noticing the emergency, interpreting it as a problem, and assuming responsibility.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another individual.

Catharsis

The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

Typologies of Aggression

Four categories of aggression: hostile, instrumental, overt, and relational.

General Aggression Model

A comprehensive model explaining the processes of aggression, including situational factors and individual traits.

Cultures of Honor

Cultural groups that emphasize honor and social status, often leading to higher rates of aggression, especially in men.

Modeling of Aggression

Learning aggression by observing others and the influence it has on an individual's behavior.

Effects of Violent Media

Research findings indicate that exposure to violent television and video games can lead to increased aggression.

Weapons Effect

The phenomenon where the presence of a weapon increases aggressive thoughts and behavior.

Catharsis Theory

The belief that expressing aggression can reduce the urge to be aggressive; however, research suggests it does not work.

Reducing Aggression

Strategies and interventions designed to decrease aggressive behaviors and increase conflict resolution.

Pansexual

A sexual orientation characterized by the potential for attraction to individuals regardless of their gender identity.

Arranged Marriage

A practice where family members or matchmakers choose partners for individuals, often based on social or economic considerations.

Similarity in Romantic Relationships

The idea that shared traits, values, and interests can enhance relationship satisfaction.

Assortative Mating

The tendency for individuals to pair with others who have similar characteristics or traits.

Mere Exposure Effect

The phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus increases an individual's liking of it.

Misattribution of Arousal

The process where individuals incorrectly identify the source of their arousal, as demonstrated in Dutton and Aron's bridge study.

Physically Attractive Characteristics

Common traits associated with physical attractiveness, such as symmetry, healthiness, and average features.

Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

A theory categorizing love into three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Attachment Theory

A psychological model describing how early relationships with caregivers can influence later romantic relationships.

Relationship Satisfaction Elements

Factors influencing satisfaction in relationships, including communication, shared activities, investment, and commitment.

Sex Differences in Attraction

Variances in how males and females respond to attraction and jealousy based on evolutionary pressures.

Cultural Views on Love and Marriage

Differences in perceptions and practices surrounding love and marriage across various cultures.