PY 2036-203: Intro to Psychology Exam #3 Study Guide (copy)

What is the definition of Social Psychology?

The scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts.

What are situational attributions?

Explanations of behavior based on external factors, such as the environment or other people's influence.

What are dispositional attributions?

Explanations of behavior based on internal factors, like personality or character traits.

What characterizes individualistic cultures?

Cultures that emphasize personal goals and individual rights.

What characterizes collectivist cultures?

Cultures that prioritize group goals and social harmony.

What is the Fundamental Attribution Error?

The tendency to overemphasize dispositional factors and underestimate situational influences when evaluating others' behavior.

What is conformity?

Change in behavior or belief to match others, often due to real or imagined group pressure.

What is compliance?

Changing behavior in response to a request, even if there is no authority involved.

What is obedience?

Following direct commands, usually from an authority figure.

What is the bystander effect?

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present, often due to diffusion of responsibility.

What are factors influencing attraction and relationships?

Physical attractiveness, similarity, and proximity.

What is good stress (eustress)?

Positive stress that can motivate and enhance performance.

What is negative stress (distress)?

Stress that can lead to anxiety and decreased performance.

What are types of stressors?

Environmental, social, and psychological factors that lead to stress.

What are some factors contributing to workplace stress?

Job demands, lack of control, and workplace relationships.

What are the characteristics of Type A personality?

Competitive, urgent, aggressive, and often experience higher stress levels.

What are the characteristics of Type B personality?

More relaxed, less frustrated by daily events, and less likely to be stressed.

What does positive psychology focus on?

Strengths and well-being rather than on pathology.

What are the long-term effects of stress?

Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, weakened immune response, and mental health disorders.

What is a psychological disorder?

A syndrome characterized by clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior.

What is the biopsychosocial framework?

A model that sees psychological disorders as the result of biological, psychological, and social factors interacting.

What are cognitive distortions?

Inaccurate thoughts that reinforce negative thinking patterns.

What is psychoanalysis/psychodynamic therapy focused on?

Uncovering and understanding unconscious motives and conflicts influencing behavior.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

A therapy aimed at changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

What is play therapy?

A therapeutic approach used primarily with children, utilizing play to help express feelings and deal with psychological challenges.

What does humanistic therapy focus on?

Personal growth, self-actualization, and the client-therapist relationship.