Foundation of Social Psychology Flashcards
To help learners build a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and key figures in social psychology, including how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another within a social context. (15 cards)
What is social psychology?
Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations, and how they are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.
Who is considered one of the founding figures of social psychology?
Kurt Lewin, often called the ‘father of social psychology,’ emphasized the importance of situational factors and is known for the formula B = f(P, E) (Behavior is a function of the person and their environment).
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors when explaining other people’s behavior.
Define conformity in social psychology.
Conformity is the act of changing one’s behavior or beliefs to match those of others, often due to real or imagined group pressure.
What was the purpose of the Milgram experiment?
To study obedience to authority, specifically how far individuals would go in obeying an instruction if it involved harming another person.
What does cognitive dissonance refer to?
A psychological discomfort experienced when holding two or more conflicting cognitions (e.g., beliefs, attitudes) which often leads to attitude change to reduce the inconsistency.
What is social facilitation?
The tendency for people to perform better on simple tasks when in the presence of others, and worse on complex tasks.
Define social loafing.
The tendency of individuals to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.
What is a schema in social psychology?
A cognitive framework or concept that helps organize and interpret information, influencing how we perceive others and situations.
Schemas can affect memory and perception, guiding attention and interpretation of social information.
What is the bystander effect?
The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other people are present, due to a diffusion of responsibility.
This effect highlights the social psychology principle that individuals may feel less personal responsibility to act when they are in a group.
What is groupthink?
A psychological phenomenon in which the desire for harmony or conformity in a group results in irrational or dysfunctional decision-making.
Groupthink can lead to poor outcomes and a lack of critical thinking within the group.
Define prejudice.
A preconceived negative judgment or attitude toward a group and its individual members, often based on stereotypes.
Prejudice can manifest in various forms, including racism, sexism, and homophobia.
What is the difference between implicit and explicit attitudes?
Explicit attitudes are conscious and deliberate, while implicit attitudes are unconscious and automatic.
Implicit attitudes can influence behavior without the individual being aware of them.
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?
When a belief or expectation about a person leads that person to act in ways that confirm the belief.
This concept illustrates how expectations can shape reality.
What does the term ‘ingroup bias’ mean?
The tendency to favor one’s own group over others, often leading to prejudice and discrimination.
Ingroup bias can reinforce social identities and contribute to intergroup conflict.
