Ch 12 Social post

Subjectivity of Person Perception

  • Stereotypes: Preconceived notions based on group characteristics.

  • Illusory Correlation: The perception of a relationship where none exists, often involving stereotypes.

  • Ingroup vs. Outgroup: Favoring one's own group while exhibiting bias against others.

Attribution

  • Internal vs. External: Attribution styles vary based on behavior observations.

  • Two Primary Biases:

    • Fundamental Attribution Error: Overrating internal factors in others and underrating situational influences.

    • Self-Serving Bias: Attributing personal successes to internal traits and failures to external factors.

  • Cultural Variations in Attribution: Attribution styles may differ across cultures.

Attraction

  • Factors in Attraction: Includes physical attractiveness, similarity, and reciprocity.

  • Hazan & Shaver’s Research: Describes how adult relationships mirror early attachment styles.

  • Sternberg’s 3 Components of Love:

    • Intimacy: Emotional closeness.

    • Romantic Love: Intimacy and passion.

    • Companionate Love: Intimacy and commitment.

  • Cultural Differences in Love: Preferences in mate selection vary by nationality and personal values.

  • Evolutionary View of Attraction: Discusses differing priorities in what genders value in mates.

Attitudes

  • Components:

    • Cognitive: Beliefs and thoughts.

    • Affective: Feelings and emotions.

    • Behavioral: Actions or intentions.

  • Explicit vs. Implicit Attitudes:

    • Explicit Attitudes: Consciously held beliefs.

    • Implicit Attitudes: Automatic reactions or biases; measured by tools like the IAT.

  • Attitude Formation and Change:

    • 4 Factors: Source, message, channel, and receiver.

    • 3 Theories:

      • Learning Theory: Attitudes develop through experiences.

      • Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Inconsistencies in beliefs can lead to attitude change (e.g. Festinger's research).

      • Elaboration Likelihood Model: Differentiates between central and peripheral routes to persuasion.

Key Studies in Social Psychology

  • Asch’s Line Length Study: Studied conformity; 75% conformed to incorrect group answers.

  • Milgram’s Shock Study: Explored obedience; 65% administered the highest shock level. Criticized for ethics and methodology.

  • Zimbardo’s Prison Study: Investigated the effects of perceived power; stopped after 6 days due to ethical concerns.

Group Behavior

  • Bystander Effect: Reduced likelihood of helping in groups due to diffusion of responsibility.

  • Diffusion of Responsibility: Individuals feel less accountable when in groups.

  • Social Loafing: Motivation decreases in group tasks.

  • Group Decision Making:

    • Group Polarization: Group discussions lead to more extreme attitudes.

    • Groupthink: Desire for harmony leads to poor decision-making outcomes.

Critical Thinking

  • Assessing Credibility: Evaluate sources based on vested interests and expertise.

  • Four Key Influence Strategies: Recognize techniques used to manipulate decisions, such as foot-in-the-door and lowball tactics.