Exam 3 Review Sheet

A collection of key terms and definitions related to aggression, stereotypes, prejudice, and prosocial behavior for exam preparation.

Physical Aggression

Behavior intended to harm another person’s body (e.g., hitting, pushing).

Verbal Aggression

Using words to harm others psychologically (e.g., insults, threats).

Social/Relational Aggression

Harming someone’s relationships or social standing (e.g., gossip, exclusion).

Instrumental Aggression

Aggression used as a means to achieve a goal (e.g., robbery, terrorism).

Catharsis Theory

Suggests releasing aggression reduces future aggression, but research does not support this.

Deindividuation

In group settings, people lose self-awareness and act more impulsively or aggressively.

Morbid Curiosity

Attraction to violent or disturbing content despite discomfort.

Hostile Attribution Bias

Interpreting ambiguous actions as hostile.

Hostile Expectation Bias

Expecting others to act aggressively in the future.

Hostile Perception Bias

Seeing the social world as generally aggressive.

Aversive Racism

Subtle, unconscious prejudice despite outward equality beliefs.

Stereotype

Cognitive beliefs about groups.

Prejudice

Emotional attitudes toward groups.

Discrimination

Behavioral actions against groups.

Implicit Bias

Unconscious attitudes.

Blatant Bias

Open and intentional prejudice.

Ingroup Favoritism

Preferential treatment of your group.

Outgroup Exaggeration

Seeing outgroup members as more alike than they are.

Bystander Effect

Less likely to help when others are present.

Diffusion of Responsibility

Responsibility is shared, so individuals feel less accountable.

Altruistic Helping

Helping with no expectation of reward.

Egoistic Helping

Helping for personal gain or reward.

Prisoner’s Dilemma

Individuals choose between cooperation and self-interest.

Tragedy of the Commons

Shared resources are overused.

Ultimatum Game

One person offers a split; fairness affects acceptance.