Attribution, Biases, Social Influence & Group Dynamics in Psychology

Attribution

Explaining behavior by crediting situation or disposition.

Dispositional Attributions

Explaining behavior through internal traits or personality.

Situational Attributions

Explaining behavior through external circumstances or environment.

Explanatory Style

Habitual way of explaining events, optimistic or pessimistic.

Actor-Observer Bias

Attributing own actions situationally, others' actions dispositionally.

Fundamental Attribution Error

Overestimating personality, underestimating situation in others' behavior.

Self-Serving Bias

Attributing success internally, failures externally.

Internal Locus of Control

Belief outcomes depend on personal control.

External Locus of Control

Belief outcomes depend on outside forces.

Mere Exposure Effect

Repeated exposure increases liking.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Expectations cause behaviors that confirm them.

Social Comparison

Evaluating self by comparing with others.

Relative Deprivation

the feeling of being worse off than others

Stereotype

Generalized belief about a group.

Cognitive Load

Mental effort required for processing information.

Prejudice

Unjustified negative attitude toward group.

Discrimination

Unjustified negative behavior toward group.

Implicit Attitudes

Unconscious beliefs influencing behavior.

Just-World Phenomenon

Belief people get what they deserve.

Out-Group Homogeneity Bias

Seeing out-group members as all alike.

In-Group Bias

Favoring one's own group.

Ethnocentrism

Belief one's culture is superior.

Belief Perseverance

Clinging to beliefs despite contrary evidence.

Confirmation Bias

Seeking information that supports beliefs.

Cognitive Dissonance

Discomfort from inconsistent thoughts or actions.

Social Influence Theory

Behavior shaped by social forces.

Normative Social Influence

Conforming to gain approval or avoid rejection.

Informational Social Influence

Observing other’s behaviors to figure out the correct response

Central Route Persuasion

Persuasion using logical arguments and evidence.

Peripheral Route Persuasion

Persuasion using superficial cues or emotions.

Halo Effect

One trait influences overall impression.

Foot-in-the-Door Technique

Small request increases compliance with larger one.

Door-in-the-Face Technique

Large request refusal increases smaller compliance.

Conformity

Adjusting behavior to group standards.

Social Norms

unwritten rules or expectations that guide behavior within a group or society

Obedience

Following authority's commands.

Individualism

Valuing personal goals over group goals.

Groupthink

Desire for harmony overrides realistic decisions.

Diffusion of Responsibility

Responsibility spread reduces individual accountability.

Social Loafing

Less effort in group tasks.

Deindividuation

Loss of self-awareness in groups.

Social Facilitation

Improved performance with audience presence.

Prosocial Behavior

Actions intended to help others.

Altruism

Selfless concern for others' welfare.

Social Responsibility Norm

Helping those dependent on us.

The Bystander Effect

Presence of others reduces helping.

Companionate Love

Deep affection, commitment, intimacy.

Passionate Love

Intense arousal and romantic attraction.

Collectivism

Valuing group goals over individual goals.

Multiculturalism

Valuing coexistence of diverse cultures.

Group Polarization

Group discussion strengthens prevailing opinions.