Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of adopting a scientific approach in social psychology?
Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences social thought and behavior according to social psychologists?
What is the term for a commitment to accept findings as accurate only to the extent they have been verified over and over again?
In the context of attraction, what might influence an individual's behavior at a party?
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Which core value is essential in considering alternative explanations for a phenomenon?
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Why might personal experiences not provide a solid foundation for answering general questions in social psychology?
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Which of the following factors is related to the biological basis of human behavior?
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What is the primary focus of social psychologists?
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What is the primary purpose of the component of 'selection' in the process of evolution?
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Why do people find individuals with symmetrical facial features attractive?
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What is the role of cognitive factors in influencing our behavior?
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According to evolutionary psychology, what is the primary motivation behind human attraction?
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How do cultures differ in terms of social behavior?
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What is the role of inheritance in the process of evolution?
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What is the impact of environmental factors on our behavior?
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What is the relationship between biological factors and social behavior?
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What is the primary focus of social psychology?
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According to Lewis Thomas, what sets humans apart from other species?
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What is a key area of investigation for social psychologists?
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What is the consequence of not belonging to any groups, according to Putnam?
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What is a possible consequence of being digitally disconnected from others?
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What is a quote that highlights the importance of social connections?
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What is the focus of social psychologists in terms of group influence?
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What is a central theme in social psychology?
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Study Notes
Scientific Approach in Social Psychology
- The scientific approach in social psychology involves four core values: accuracy, objectivity, skepticism, and open-mindedness.
Importance of Scientific Approach
- Our own experiences are unique and might not provide a solid foundation for answering general questions.
- The scientific approach helps to overcome the limitations of personal experiences and intuition.
Social Thought and Behavior
- Social psychologists are interested in understanding the factors that influence and shape social thought and behavior of individuals.
- Five factors that influence social thought and behavior: actions and characteristics of others, cognitive processes, environmental variables, cultural context, and biological factors.
Questions in Social Psychology
- Examples of questions social psychologists might ask: what shapes our attitude, how do others affect our perception, how to persuade others, and how does prejudice develop.
Definition of Social Psychology
- Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people.
Importance of Social Connections
- Social connections are crucial for our well-being, happiness, and survival.
- Research shows that people who belong to groups have a lower risk of dying over the next year.
Process of Evolution
- The process of evolution involves three basic components: variation, inheritance, and selection.
Attraction and Mate Selection
- We find people attractive due to characteristics associated with "good genes," such as symmetrical facial features and clear skin.
- Our genetic inheritance influences our tendencies, but these can be overridden by cognitive factors and experience.
Cultural Context
- Cultures differ greatly, and our social world is constantly changing due to factors like social media and digital technology.
- Cultural context influences how we interact with each other, and these interactions can change over time.
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Description
This quiz covers the core values that make research scientific in nature, including accuracy, objectivity, skepticism, and open-mindedness.