Ch. 1

Question 1

Define social psychology

Answer 1

Scientific study of individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours in social situations
How other people affect how we interpret events, feel about ourselves, and behave

Question 2

Themes of social psychology (8)

Answer 2

We construct our social reality
Our social intuitions are very powerful
We have a strong motivation to feel good about ourselves even when we have done something bad
Situations have powerful influences on people’s behaviours
Culture shapes people’s views of the world
Social behaviour has biological influences
Relating to others is a basic human need
Social psychology principles are applicable to everyday life

Question 3

Define:
Gestalt psychology
Construal
Schemas
Stereotypes

Answer 3

Objects are perceived by active, nonconscious interpretation of what the object represents (perception is biased and subjective)
Our interpretations and nonconscious inferences about situations and behaviours
Generalized knowledge stores about the physical and social world
Schemas we have for people, a belief that certain attributes are characteristic of members of a particular group

Question 4

Social neuroscience

Answer 4

Scientists use fMRI’s to understand brain’s role in social behaviour
Neocortex is heavily involved