Social Psychology 01 Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is Gordon Allport’s (1954) widely cited definition of social psychology?
Social psychology is the scientific investigation of how the ‘actual, imagined or implied presence of others’ can affect the ‘thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of individuals’.
How did Shaver (2015) expand upon Allport’s definition?
Shaver suggested Allport’s definition was too restrictive and proposed that social psychology is the ‘scientific study of the personal and situational factors that affect individual and social behaviour’, including factors like physical health.
What does Branscombe (2023) highlight as the key focus of social psychology?
Branscombe emphasizes that social psychology scientifically studies all aspects of social experience to understand how and why individuals behave, think, and feel in social situations, whether the presence of others is actual or symbolic.
What are four key commonalities found in definitions of social psychology?
It is scientific, using investigative methods.
It focuses on the individual’s experience within a group.
It studies how others (real or implied) affect the individual.
It covers a broad range of social experiences, including thoughts, behaviours, and emotions.
Explain the concept of the ‘implied presence’ of others.
This means that people do not need to be physically present to influence behaviour; the implied judgment or social norms are often enough to affect our actions, such as not littering even when alone.
What is ‘social cognition’?
It refers to how we process, store, and use information in social situations, which is essential for understanding others’ behaviour and other social processes.
What aspects are covered under ‘Self and identity’ in social psychology?
This topic explores how we form perceptions of ourselves and how social factors, including our membership in social groups, impact our sense of self.
What is ‘social influence’?
Social influence describes how our behaviours and attitudes change due to the real or implied presence of other people.
Differentiate between ‘obedience’ and ‘conformity’.
Obedience: Following a direct order, usually from an authority figure.
Conformity: Following a group’s behaviour without being told, often to fit in or gain acceptance.
What is ‘attribution’ in social psychology?
Attribution is the process by which individuals explain and understand the causes of their own behaviour and the behaviour of others.
Define ‘culture’ according to Matsumoto and Juang (2023).
Culture is ‘a unique meaning and information system, shared within groups and transmitted across generations, which allow groups to meet survival needs, pursue happiness and well-being, and derive meaning from life.’
What is meant by the ‘independent self’?
The self is viewed as unique and separate, defined by internal attributes (personality, traits, goals) that guide behaviour. This view is typically seen in Western cultures.
What is meant by the ‘interdependent self’?
The self is viewed as social and connected, with identity defined by social roles, status, and relationships. This view is typically seen in non-Western cultures.
Describe ‘individualist cultures’.
These cultures prioritize individual goals and standing out, fostering independent selves. They are often Western cultures like those in North America and Western Europe.
Describe ‘collectivist cultures’.
These cultures prioritize group loyalty, commitment, and conformity, promoting interdependent selves. They are often non-Western cultures like those in Africa and Latin America.
Define ‘norm tightness’.
This refers to cultures with strict, clearly defined social norms and high punishment or consequences for non-conformity.
Define ‘norm looseness’.
This refers to cultures with relaxed, less clearly defined social norms and lower levels of punishment or consequence for non-conformity.
What does the acronym ‘WEIRD’ stand for in psychological research?
It stands for Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic.
Why is it problematic to rely heavily on ‘WEIRD’ participants in psychology research?
It raises concerns about the generalizability of findings to people from different cultural backgrounds and societies.
What is ‘prosocial behaviour’?
It is behaviour that is positive, helpful, and valued by society, such as volunteering.
What did Coyne and Stockdale (2021) find regarding long-term violent video game play?
They found that moderate, sustained play of violent video games from adolescence into emerging adulthood was associated with the highest levels of aggression in adulthood, though causation isn’t proven.
How can social psychology contribute to behaviour change campaigns (e.g., health)?
It provides theories and principles (like those related to social norms and conformity) that can be used to design effective interventions to encourage behaviour change, such as healthy eating.
How did Stott et al. (2017) explain the 2011 London riots?
They argued the riots weren’t inevitable but resulted from complex social interactions, including police actions (perceived as aggressive) leading to crowd unity and empowerment against the police.
Why is linking social psychology theories to real-world events important?
It demonstrates the value and relevance of the field in understanding everyday life, events, and behaviour, and can inform interventions and policy.
