What is Social Psychology? Flashcards
Part 1 (Introduction) - Chapter 1 (12 cards)
Define social psychology.
The scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in a social context. It examines how the presence, real or imagined, of others influences individual behaviour.
What is the attribution theory?
A framework for understanding how individuals explain the causes of behaviour and events, distinguishing between internal (dispositional) and external (situational) factors.
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The tendency to overestimate the influence of personal traits and underestimate the impact of situational factors when explaining others’ behaviours.
What is conformity?
Adjusting one’s behaviour or thinking to align with a group standard.
What is compliance?
Changing one’s behaviour in response to a direct request.
What is obedience?
Following orders or instructions from an authority figure.
What are attitudes?
Evaluations of people, objects, or ideas that can influence behaviour.
What is prejudice?
A preconceived negative judgement of a group and its individual members.
What is discrimination?
Unjustified negative behaviour toward a group of its members.
What is the bystander effect?
The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim where other people are present.
What is social loafing?
The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone. This was first observed by Max Ringelmann in 1913.
Who was Stanley Milgram?
He conducted the famous obedience experiments in the 60s, demonstrating the extent to which individuals would follow authority figures, even when actions conflicted with personal conscience.
