Social Perception, Attitudes & Biases

Social Perception

How we come to understand and form impressions of others

Raw Data of Perception

Initial observations like facial expressions and tone of voice

Integration

The process of combining observations into one coherent impression

Bias and Distortion

Our impressions can be skewed by assumptions, expectations, or stereotypes

Attribution Bias

Errors in assigning cause to behavior due to mental shortcuts or limitations

Fundamental Attribution Error

Overestimating personal factors and underestimating situational ones when evaluating others' behavior

Cognitive Heuristics

Mental shortcuts used to simplify decision making, often leading to biases or errors in judgment.

Availability Heuristic

Judging likelihood by how easily something come to mind

False Consensus Effect

Assuming others share your views more than they actually do

Base Rate Fallacy

Ignoring statistical likelihood in favor of anecdotal evidence

Attitude

A positive, negative, or mixed evaluation of a person, idea, or object

Tri- Component Attitude

Includes affective, behavioral, and cognitive components

Cognitive Dissonance

Mental discomfort from inconsistency between thoughts and behavior

Covert Measures

Observing attitude through body language or facial muscle activity

Facial EMG

Technique to detect subtle facial muscle move meant indicating attitude

Theory of Planned Behavior

Behavior is shaped by attitudes, norms, and perceived control

Subjective Norms

Social pressure to preform or avoid a behavior

Perceived Control

Belief in your ability to carry out a behavior