Psychology Chapter on Attribution Theory

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Questions and Answers

How does a sense of fluency affect people's judgments when processing information?

It generates immediate and less analyzed conclusions. (correct)

It causes confusion about the information presented.

It enhances critical thinking in decision-making.

It leads to more reflective thought.

What typically results from encountering disfluent stimuli?

Faster decision-making processes.

Increased reliance on intuition.

More reflective thought and analysis. (correct)

Less consideration of alternative viewpoints.

Which of the following best defines the representativeness heuristic?

An intuitive process that eliminates biases.

A strategy focused on maximizing utility.

A method of judging likelihood based on similarities. (correct)

A systematic approach to reviewing all information.

What can be a consequence of relying heavily on the representativeness heuristic?

Neglect of actual statistical probabilities. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does fluency play a role in information processing?

It can simplify complex information into relatable concepts. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor in evaluating someone's character?

Their actions over time Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to evaluate actions over a longer period of time?

Behavior can be inconsistent over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach when evaluating others?

Considering only their recent behavior Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception might affect our evaluation of character?

Judging based on someone’s clothing style Signup and view all the answers

In the context of character evaluation, what should be prioritized?

Thorough analysis of repeated behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the mistaken belief that two variables are correlated due to availability and representativeness heuristics?

Illusory correlations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the reasoning behind illusory correlations?

Random chance events are misattributed Signup and view all the answers

Availability and representativeness heuristics contribute to illusory correlations by influencing how people:

Interpret random events and personal observations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of illusory correlations, what role does the representativeness heuristic play?

It leads to overgeneralization based on stereotypes Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential impact of relying on illusory correlations in decision-making?

Erroneous conclusions and actions Signup and view all the answers

What does base-rate information refer to?

The number of individuals who have a specific trait in a population. Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone overlook base-rate information?

They focus too heavily on recent experiences. Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is base-rate information most crucial?

To establish how likely an event is to occur in a given population. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a common pitfall regarding base-rate information?

It is usually ignored in favor of subjective impressions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can overlooking base-rate information have on decision-making?

It may result in biased or skewed conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

How do schemas primarily influence information processing?

As top-down tools for interpreting information Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes schemas from bottom-up processing?

Schemas allow for interpretation using preconceived ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about schemas is accurate?

Schemas enable quick interpretations of information Signup and view all the answers

In the context of information processing, what role do top-down tools play?

They shape how new information is interpreted and understood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly contrasts schemas with bottom-up processing?

Schemas organize information while bottom-up processing seeks to understand new data Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason people are prone to the fundamental attribution error?

People often overestimate the influence of personality over situational factors. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the fundamental attribution error, what is an inferential problem people face?

Determining the appropriate attribution for someone's success or failure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the fundamental attribution error in everyday life?

Believing a successful business owner achieved success solely due to hard work. Signup and view all the answers

Why do people often find it challenging to correctly attribute success or failure?

They may be biased towards focusing on observable behavior over context. Signup and view all the answers

What might cause someone to misattribute blame to individuals rather than considering situational causes?

A strong personal belief in meritocracy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Haidt's moral foundations theory primarily identify?

Five core domains underlying moral intuitions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does NOT influence moral intuitions according to Haidt's theory?

Personal experiences Signup and view all the answers

In Haidt's moral foundations theory, which of the following is a core domain of moral intuition?

Justice Signup and view all the answers

How do cultural factors relate to the moral foundations theory?

They shape the understanding of moral domains Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects the relationship between morality and culture as per Haidt's theory?

Cultural dimensions dictate moral intuition Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a concept is described as salient?

It is easily located and recalled from memory. Signup and view all the answers

How does the frequency of schema activation affect its application to new information?

Recent and frequent activation increases the likelihood of application. Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences how accessible a concept is in memory?

The recency and frequency of schema activation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios illustrates the impact of a salient concept on processing new information?

A student remembering a specific detail from a recently covered lesson. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between schema activation and memory accessibility?

Activated schemas enhance the accessibility of related concepts. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the differing language used to refer to the same issue, such as "illegal aliens" versus "undocumented workers"?

Semantic framing Signup and view all the answers

How do advocates use language to influence perception regarding controversial issues?

By using euphemisms to soften the implications of their arguments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases exemplifies the concept of language framing in political discourse?

Election integrity versus voter suppression Signup and view all the answers

What impact can the choice of terminology have on public opinion regarding social issues?

It can polarize opinions and deepen divides among groups Signup and view all the answers

What role do emotions such as respect and embarrassment play in societal structures?

They help maintain social hierarchies and traditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding authority and respect in social contexts?

Respect and embarrassment can influence adherence to social hierarchies. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the term "enhanced interrogation" be favored over the term "torture" in discussions about interrogation methods?

It implies a softer approach to a serious issue Signup and view all the answers

How do the concepts of authority and respect interact with societal structures?

Respect for authority can lead to compliance with established norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a lack of respect in social hierarchies?

Weakened adherence to traditions. Signup and view all the answers

What reduces the likelihood of bystanders falling prey to pluralistic ignorance?

Bystanders clearly seeing one another's initial expressions of concern Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between emotions and adherence to social hierarchies?

Respect and embarrassment can enforce adherence to social norms. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation are bystanders more likely to help in an emergency?

When they can clarify each other's intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that contributes to pluralistic ignorance among bystanders?

Perceptions of group behavior overriding individual instincts Signup and view all the answers

What effect does clearly seeing others' initial expressions of concern have on bystander behavior?

It confirms a shared sense of urgency Signup and view all the answers

Why might bystanders hesitate to act during an emergency situation?

They assume others will take action instead Signup and view all the answers

What effect does urban density have on helping behavior?

It can discourage individuals from helping. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological concept relates to individuals feeling less personal responsibility in crowded situations?

Diffusion of responsibility Signup and view all the answers

In urban environments, why might people be less likely to assist someone in need?

A higher sense of anonymity and diffusion of responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of diffusion of responsibility function in high-density populations?

It shifts the burden of action onto others. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor that can mitigate the diffuse responsibility phenomenon in crowded settings?

Making eye contact with a person in need. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the concept of stereotypes?

Beliefs about specific attributes of certain groups Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes prejudice?

A judgment based solely on group membership Signup and view all the answers

What does discrimination refer to in social contexts?

Favorable or unfavorable actions towards individuals based on group membership Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prejudice?

It is always predicated on personal interaction with the group Signup and view all the answers

In the context of intergroup bias, what role do stereotypes play?

They lead to automatic judgments without awareness Signup and view all the answers

What does the realistic group conflict theory primarily explain?

It suggests that competition for resources can lead to group discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary challenge in addressing stereotypes and prejudice?

Beliefs and emotions are hard to legislate against Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Robbers Cave Experiment, what was a key lesson learned about reducing intergroup hostility?

Working towards superordinate goals can diminish hostility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately captures ingroup favoritism?

Positive bias towards members of one's own group Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of superordinate goals?

They can only be achieved through intergroup collaboration. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying cause of intergroup bias relates to cognitive factors?

The mental shortcuts people use for processing information Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon does the Minimal Group Paradigm primarily illustrate?

The propensity for individuals to favor their ingroup despite the basis for grouping being minimal. Signup and view all the answers

How does ethnocentrism manifest in intergroup relations?

It involves glorifying one's own group while vilifying others. Signup and view all the answers

During periods of economic difficulty, what happens to prejudice and discrimination among groups?

They increase, especially among groups fearing economic loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the economic perspective on intergroup conflict?

The role of competing interests among groups. Signup and view all the answers

What effect can territoriality have in intergroup relations?

It creates boundaries that can provoke discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary motivation behind ingroup favoritism according to social identity theory?

Boosting group status and self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the concept of 'basking in reflected glory'?

Using group identity to enhance self-esteem during successful events Signup and view all the answers

When do individuals feel more motivated to derive self-esteem from group memberships?

When they are uncertain about their own identity or values Signup and view all the answers

What effect does group identification have on how individuals react to criticism of their group?

They react defensively as if it were a personal attack Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is typically observed in participants after they engage in ingroup favoritism?

An increase in self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What is one application of the minimal group paradigm in social psychology?

Evaluating ingroup favoritism in isolated contexts Signup and view all the answers

How might ingroup favoritism affect the allocation of points in an experimental setting?

Participants would prioritize ingroup members even at a loss Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario exemplifies ingroup favoritism in a minimal group situation?

A player rooting for their team after winning a game Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes modern racism, as discussed in the context provided?

It may be accompanied by unacknowledged negative feelings. Signup and view all the answers

How do subtle biases differ from overt biases in their effects on individuals?

Subtle biases require cognitive resources to interpret interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'masked discrimination' as demonstrated in the Black/White study on helping behaviors?

Discrimination that is hidden behind egalitarian excuses. Signup and view all the answers

What impact do benevolent forms of racism and sexism have on their targets?

They can disarm targets by presenting positive stereotypes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of contemporary prejudice observed in race relations today?

Explicit egalitarian beliefs are often disassociated from implicit attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

How does ingroup favoritism contribute to modern racism?

It leads to strong biases against outgroup members. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cognitive burden experienced by members of stigmatized groups during interactions?

Deciphering the intentions behind subtle biases. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do contemporary theories of prejudice redefine the understanding of race relations?

They recognize the coexistence of old-fashioned and modern forms of prejudice. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the effect of stereotypes on how behaviors and traits are perceived?

Stereotypes reinforce expectations by making consistent actions more memorable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of group stereotypes?

When the beliefs about a group lead to behaviors that confirm those beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How does subtyping affect the perception of individuals who contradict existing stereotypes?

It walls them off into a separate category of 'exceptions'. Signup and view all the answers

What role does concrete and abstract language play in the perception of individuals?

Abstract descriptions often generalize individuals, concealing specific attributes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do stereotypes persist despite having disconfirming information?

Emotional investments in stereotypes often prevent their re-evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of interpreting information consistent with a stereotype?

It often strengthens beliefs associated with the stereotype. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do people's perceptions differ when they consider unfamiliar groups?

They focus more on unique attributes rather than shared traits. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does the association of unfamiliar groups with rare attributes have on perceptions?

It generally leads to a less favorable view compared to familiar groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are systemic inequities?

Indirect challenges affecting marginalized groups due to societal structures Signup and view all the answers

How do stereotypical facial features influence judicial outcomes?

Convicts with stereotypically African features face harsher sentences Signup and view all the answers

What does the librarian's dilemma illustrate?

The difficulty in categorizing intersectional identities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies an absence of representation?

A voting body with no individuals from marginalized groups Signup and view all the answers

How can language contribute to systemic inequities?

Language can reinforce the presence or absence of certain identities Signup and view all the answers

What consequence can arise from the absence of representation in culture?

Psychological implications for marginalized individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with how different races are perceived in the justice system regarding capital punishment?

Stereotypically African features lead to harsher sentences Signup and view all the answers

What do underrepresented groups most commonly experience in societal contexts?

Lack of acknowledgment and absence in broader culture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Snap Judgments

People make judgments about others based on appearance and brief behavior samples
Accuracy of these judgments is questionable
Beliefs about a person, not necessarily factual truth, can influence outcomes
Observed behaviors might only represent a partial picture
Judgments can be incorrect, especially when relying solely on initial impressions

Inferring Causes of Behavior

Evaluations of others involve examining their actions, often over time
Judgments are based on assigned meaning to observed behaviors (own or others')
Internal (dispositional) or external (situational) factors can cause behaviors

Causal Attribution

Determining causes of behavior involves considering internal or external factors
Internal causes refer to the person's attributes
External causes are the situational context

Theories of Attribution

Focus on how people assess the contributions of internal and external causes to behaviors
Determining if behavior is internal or external involves considering shared behavior patterns and situational uniqueness
Assessing typical behavior and usual actions help determine the causes

Covariation Principle

People use the covariation principle when evaluating causality
Consensus: how others behave in similar situations
Distinctiveness: how the person behaves in different situations
Consistency: how the person behaves in the same situation over time

Discounting Principle

Causal confidence decreases when alternative explanations exist
If multiple plausible causes produce the same outcome, the likelihood of one being responsible is reduced

Counterfactual Thinking

Judgments aren't limited to actual events; imagined alternative scenarios may influence them
Imagining alternative outcomes impacts how people perceive events

Emotional Reactions & Attribution

Emotions influenced by attribution-events perceived as slightly altered might elicit more intense emotional responses
More intense emotional responses when the outcome was almost avoided

Errors and Biases in Attribution

People's judgments are susceptible to biases
People might not employ entirely rational processes, potentially influenced by dubious information
Problems and biases in the causal analysis arise even when relying on covariation

Self-Serving Attributional Bias

People often attribute success to internal factors and failure to external factors
Success is attributed to personal traits while failures are attributed to situational variables

Fundamental Attribution Error

The tendency to attribute others' behavior to internal factors while underestimating situational influences
This commonly occurs when observing the behavior of others

Why People are Prone to the Fundamental Attribution Error

External factors are less noticeable, especially when judging unusual events
People tend to pay more attention to easily observed features, not situational context, when assessing others

Actor-Observer Difference

People tend to be more inclined to make situational attributions for their own behaviors, yet tend to make dispositional attributions for others' behaviors
Observations of one's own actions frequently involve more awareness of situational nuances than observations of others' actions

Cultural Variations and Attributions

Cultural norms and values significantly impact how people form attributions
Behaviors influenced by underlying cultural norms have significant impact on the attribution process

Information Processing and Presentation

Information is processed based on presentation order (primacy and recency effects)
Order of presentation, framing, influences how a person processes information

Framing Effects

How information is presented influences perception; wording and language matter as much as the content itself
Primacy and recency effects affect judgments
Temporal framing influences perception of events

Schemas

Organized knowledge structures influencing how information is interpreted.
Schemas guide memory, how information is interpreted and associated behavior.
Priming and triggering a schema can influence reactions

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Description

Explore key concepts from the psychology chapter on attribution theory. This quiz covers snap judgments, causal attribution, and the factors influencing how we infer behaviors in ourselves and others. Test your understanding of internal and external causes and their impact on our evaluations.