Module 80: Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking

Question 1

Altruism

Answer 1

An unselfish regard for the welfare of others

Question 2

The Decision-Making Process for bystander intervention

Answer 2

Before helping, one must first notice an emergency, then correctly interpret it, and then feel responsible.

Question 3

Diffusion of Responsibility

Answer 3

The behavior in which an individual assumes they are not responsible for taking action or that others have already done so
- more people - less likely someone helps

Question 4

Bystander Effect

Answer 4

The tendency for any nearby person (bystander) to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present
- the presence of bystanders reduces brain activation in the motor cortex, signaling that we don’t need to take action

Question 5

Social-Exchange Theory

Answer 5

The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs
- self-interest underlies all human interactions and that our constant goal is to maximize rewards and minimize costs

Question 6

Reciprocity Norm

Answer 6

An expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them.

• in our relationships with others of similar status, this norm compels us to give (in favors, gifts, or social invitations) about as much as we receive)
• sometimes this means “paying it forward”, as happened in one experiment when people who were treated generously became more likely to be generous to a stranger

Question 7

Social-Responsibility Norm

Answer 7

The expectation that we should help those who need our help - young children and others who cannot give as much as they receive- even if the costs out weight the benefits.

Question 8

Conflict

Answer 8

A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas

• social psychologist: the elements of conflict are much the same, whether partners sparring, political groups, feuding, or nations at war
• conflict may seed positive change, or be a destructive process that can produce unwanted results

Question 9

Social Trap

Answer 9

A situation in which the conflicting parties, by each pursuing their self-interest rather than the good of the group, become caught in mutually destructive behavior.
- social traps challenge us to reconcile our right to pursue our personal well-being with our responsibility for the well-being of all.

Question 10

Mirror-Image Perceptions

Answer 10

Mutual views often held by conflicting people, as when each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive.
- As we see “them” as untrustworthy, with evil intentions- so “they” see us. Each demonizes the other.

Question 11

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Answer 11

A belief that leads to its own fulfillment.

• mirror image perception can often feed a vicious cycle of hostility
• perceptions can become self-fulfilling prophecies- beliefs that confirm themselves by influencing the other person to react in ways that seem to justify them.

Question 12

How can we make peace?

Answer 12

Contact, Cooperation, Communication, Conciliation

Question 13

Superordinate Goals

Answer 13

Shared goals that could be achieved only through cooperation

Question 14

How important is communication to peace?

Answer 14

When real-life conflicts become intense, a third-party mediator may facilitate much-needed communication
- mediators help each party voice its viewpoint and understand the other’s needs and goals

Question 15

Grit

Answer 15

Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension
Reduction - a strategy designed to decrease international tensions
- one side announces its recognition of mutual interest and its intent to reduce tensions
- it then initiates one or more small, conciliatory acts
- opens the door for reciprocity