In-Depth Notes on Social Psychology

Unit XIV - Social Psychology

General Overview of Social Psychology
  • Social Psychology: The scientific study of how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another.
  • Explores connections among people and factors influencing behavior.
Module Learning Objectives
  1. Understand what social psychologists study and how we explain behavior.
  2. Discuss the reciprocity of attitudes and actions.
Attribution Theory
  • Attribution Theory: Explains how we account for others' behavior; can be dispositional (personal traits) or situational (environment).
  • Fundamental Attribution Error: Overestimating personality and underestimating situational factors.
    • Example: Observing someone’s behavior may lead to incorrect assumptions about their character.
Cognitive Dissonance
  • Cognitive Dissonance: Mental discomfort from holding two conflicting beliefs or actions.
    • Example: Feeling guilty after acting against one’s values can lead to behavioral changes to alleviate discomfort.
Conformity and Social Influence
  • Conformity: Adjusting behavior/thinking to align with group standards.
  • Influences include feeling incompetent, group size & agreement, and cultural pressure.
  • Normative Social Influence: Conforming to avoid disapproval or gain social approval.
  • Informational Social Influence: Conforming because others are viewed as sources of information.
Bystander Effect
  • People are less likely to help if others are present (diffusion of responsibility).
  • Individuals must notice, interpret an emergency, and assume responsibility to intervene.
Aggression
  • Aggression: Physical/verbal behavior aimed at causing harm.
    • Influenced by biological factors (gene/environment interactions), neural processes, and biochemical factors (testosterone, alcohol).
  • Social and psychological triggers include frustration and observational learning.
Altruism and Helping Behavior
  • Altruism: Unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
  • Factors affecting willingness to help include perceived need, similarity, and mood.
Social Exchange Theory
  • Suggests social behavior is an exchange process aimed at maximizing benefits and minimizing costs while helping others.
  • Reciprocity Norm: Expectation to return help to those who have helped us.
  • Social Responsibility Norm: Expectation to help those needing assistance regardless of reward.
Group Behavior
  • Social Facilitation: Improved performance on tasks in the presence of others.
  • Social Loafing: Tendency to exert less effort when working in a group.
  • Deindividuation: Loss of self-awareness and restraint in groups, often leading to impulsive or antisocial behavior.
Group Polarization and Groupthink
  • Group Polarization: Group discussions strengthen prevailing opinions.
  • Groupthink: The tendency for cohesive groups to suppress dissenting opinions, leading to poor decision-making.
Cultural Norms
  • Norms guide behaviors and expectations within cultures.
  • Examines how cultural factors affect attitudes and perceptions of groups.
Prejudice and Discrimination
  • Prejudice: Unjustifiable negative attitudes toward a group.
  • Discrimination: Negative behavior towards individuals based on their group membership.
  • Scapegoat Theory: Prejudice as a means to blame others for personal frustrations.
Conflict and Peacemaking
  • Social Traps: Situations where individuals’ pursuit of self-interest leads to negative outcomes for the group.
  • Methods for conflict resolution: Contact, cooperation, communication, and conciliation can lead to improved relations.
Attraction Basics
  • Factors influencing attraction include proximity, attractiveness, and similarity.
  • Mere Exposure Effect: Increased liking through repeated exposure.
  • Physical Attractiveness: Significant influence on perceptions of others' personalities and social opportunities.
Love Types
  • Passionate Love: An intense emotional and physical attraction.
  • Companionate Love: Deep affectionate attachment often developed through long-term relationships.
  • Equity and self-disclosure are vital for sustaining long-term love.
Applications of Social Psychology Concepts
  • Applications of theories to improve interpersonal relationships and resolve conflicts in ways that promote understanding and cooperation.