Key Concepts in Social Psychology

Questions and Answers

What are social norms?

Segregation based on income

Pressure exerted by a group

A set of beliefs held by individuals

A group's expectations regarding appropriate attitudes and behaviors (correct)

What is ideology?

A consistent set of beliefs by groups or individuals.

Define social polarization.

Segregation within a society that emerges from income inequality and other factors.

What is groupthink?

The phenomenon where a group's members tend to think alike for the sake of harmony. Signup and view all the answers

Authoritarianism favors strict rules.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does laissez-faire mean?

The idea that government should play a minimal role in economic affairs. Signup and view all the answers

What does democratic mean?

Ruled by the people through elected representatives. Signup and view all the answers

Define group pressure.

Pressure exerted by a group that influences behavior, values, or beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What is compliance?

Acting in accordance with a direct request from another person or group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the foot in the door technique?

A persuasive technique involving a small request before a bigger one. Signup and view all the answers

What is obedience?

Behavioral changes made in response to a command by an authority figure. Signup and view all the answers

Define aggression.

Physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone. Signup and view all the answers

What is catharsis?

Emotional release. Signup and view all the answers

What does bystander mean?

Unwillingness to help exhibited by witnesses to an event. Signup and view all the answers

Define social loafing.

The tendency for individuals in a group to exert less effort towards a common goal. Signup and view all the answers

What is deindividuation?

The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint in group situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is prejudice?

A negative attitude toward an entire category of people. Signup and view all the answers

Define stereotype.

A generalized belief about a group of people. Signup and view all the answers

What is discrimination?

Behaving differently, usually unfairly, toward members of a group. Signup and view all the answers

What is attribution theory?

The theory that explains someone's behavior by crediting the situation or their disposition. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social Norms: Expectations within a group for appropriate attitudes and behaviors among members.
Ideology: A consistent belief system shared by individuals or groups.
Social Polarization: The division of society into distinct groups due to factors such as income inequality, which can lead to social segregation among different economic classes.
Groupthink: A phenomenon where harmony and consensus within a group lead to a decline in critical thinking and individual dissent.
Authoritarianism: A political or social tendency that emphasizes strict obedience to authority, potentially at the expense of personal freedom.
Laissez-faire: An economic principle advocating minimal governmental interference in economic activities.
Democracy: A political system where the power lies with the people, who elect representatives to create and enforce laws.
Group Pressure: Social influence exerted by a group, compelling individuals to adjust their behaviors, beliefs, or attitudes to fit group dynamics.
Compliance: The act of conforming to a request or demand from another person or group.
Foot-in-the-Door Technique: A persuasion strategy involving starting with a small request followed by a larger, related request.
Obedience: Behavioral changes prompted by directives from an authority figure, often seen in structured environments.
Aggression: Intentional behavior aimed at causing physical or psychological harm to others.
Catharsis: The release of emotional tension, often linked to expressing or processing feelings.
Bystander Effect: A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when other observers are present; likelihood of assistance decreases with more witnesses.
Social Loafing: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to when they are individually accountable.
Deindividuation: A psychological state characterized by diminished self-awareness and self-restraint within group settings, often leading to impulsive behavior.
Prejudice: A negative bias or attitude directed towards a specific group, often based on race or ethnicity.
Stereotype: Oversimplified beliefs or ideas about a group of people.
Discrimination: Inequitable treatment of individuals based on their group membership, frequently manifesting as unfair actions or policies.
Attribution Theory: A framework for understanding how individuals interpret and explain the behavior of themselves and others, either through situational contexts or personal characteristics.

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Description

Test your understanding of essential social psychology concepts. This quiz covers key ideas such as social norms, groupthink, and the effects of social polarization. Explore how these concepts influence individual behavior and group dynamics.