SOP 3004 – Final Exam Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on various theories related to attraction, aggression, prejudice, and helping behaviors, all relevant for exam preparation.

Rusbult’s investment theory of commitment

A theory that states people are likely to stay in a relationship based on high satisfaction, low quality of alternatives, and high investment.

Social exchange theory

A theory suggesting people stay in relationships when the rewards exceed the costs, evaluating relationships like a cost–benefit exchange.

Equity theory

A theory that people are satisfied in relationships when both partners are treated fairly, with an equal balance of rewards and contributions.

Sternberg’s Triangular theory of love

A theory that outlines three components of love: Passion, Intimacy, and Commitment.

Hostile aggression

Aggression driven by anger, meant to hurt someone.

Instrumental aggression

Aggression used as a means to an end, not primarily driven by anger.

Desensitization

The process where repeated exposure to violence reduces a person's emotional reactivity to violent acts.

Cognitive priming

The phenomenon where exposure to certain cues activates aggressive thoughts, making aggression more likely.

Catharsis hypothesis

The idea that expressing anger through aggressive actions reduces aggression, which is not supported by research.

Modern racism

A subtle, indirect form of prejudice where one feels prejudice against racial minority groups while explicitly rejecting racist beliefs.

Implicit Association Test (IAT)

A test that measures the strength of associations between concepts, revealing implicit biases.

Realistic Group Conflict Theory

The theory that prejudice arises from competition over limited resources among groups.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that suggests prejudice stems from the need to enhance self-esteem by favoring one's ingroup over outgroups.

Outgroup Homogeneity Effect

The perception that members of outgroups are all the same or more similar to each other than they really are.

Contact hypothesis

The idea that frequent contact between groups can reduce prejudice, particularly under favorable conditions.

Microaggressions

Small, often subtle, comments or actions that unintentionally insult or harm people from marginalized groups.

Self-fulfilling prophecy

When a belief about someone leads you to act in ways that confirm that belief.

Diffusion of responsibility

The phenomenon where individuals feel less compelled to help when more people are present.

Egotistic motives

Motives for helping that focus on self-benefit, such as gaining rewards or avoiding guilt.

Altruistic motives

Motives for helping that are driven by genuine concern for others.

Bystander effect

The tendency for individuals to be less likely to help in an emergency when others are present.

Pluralistic ignorance

A situation where everyone privately thinks something is wrong, but looks to others and assumes nothing is wrong, resulting in no action.

Confirmation bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that supports one's pre-existing beliefs.

Fundamental attribution error

The tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors when explaining someone else's behavior.

Cognitive dissonance

The psychological discomfort that arises from holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Central route to persuasion

A method of persuasion that involves careful and thoughtful consideration of the true merits of the information presented.

Peripheral route to persuasion

A method of persuasion that uses superficial cues, such as attractiveness or emotional appeal, rather than actual substance.

Social loafing

The phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.

Deindividuation

A state where individuals lose self-awareness and feel less accountable in groups, often leading to impulsive behavior.

Conformity

Changing one's behavior to match the responses of others in a group.

Reciprocity

The social norm of responding to a positive action with another positive action, rewarding kind actions.

Complementarity

Attractiveness to someone who has traits that complement your own, often viewed in positive relationships.

Matching phenomenon

The tendency for individuals to choose partners who are similar to themselves in terms of attractiveness and social value.