Soc 132 W26 Midterm Study Guide

A collection of flashcards focusing on key concepts and definitions from the lecture notes on social psychology for exam review.

Social Psychology

The attempt to understand and explain how the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Symbolic Interactionism

A social theory that suggests we use language, a system of symbols, to imbue reality with meaning and that meanings motivate behavior and are negotiated in interactions.

Meaningful Utility

The concept that something is meaningful because of its purpose and value in terms of its effects or utility.

Basis of Power

Individuals’ abilities to secure desired rewards from other sources serve as the basis of power.

Components Principle

Identifying a component of the social structure, such as class, race, or gender, in the context of social structure and personality.

Cognitive Theory

An approach in social psychology that emphasizes the role of mental activities like perception, memory, and judgment in determining social behavior.

Dual-Process Theory

The theory that people process information in two ways: automatically using heuristics and deliberately seeking more accurate judgments.

Principles of Symbolic Interactionism

1. We act toward things based on their meanings; 2. Meanings are negotiated in interaction; 3. Meanings can be modified through interaction.

Psychology Principle

Identifies how attitudes, values, and beliefs are influenced by environments in the social structure.

Proximity Principle

Identifies the environments and social relationships associated with a component of the social structure.