Social Psychology Chapter 12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How do groupthink and group polarization differ?

Group polarization is the process of a group developing more extreme views, while groupthink occurs when peer pressure leads to poor decision making.

What is the outgroup homogeneity effect?

The tendency to view outgroup members as less varied than in-group members.

What is the phenomenon called when the presence of others enhances performance?

Social facilitation.

What is social identity theory?

The idea that ingroups consist of individuals who perceive themselves as members of the same social category and experience pride through their group membership. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an example of normative influence on behavior?

Nobody at Emily's new office wore sandals or denim, so she decided not to either. Signup and view all the answers

What is in-group favoritism?

The tendency for people to evaluate favorably and privilege members of their in-group more than outgroup members. Signup and view all the answers

What did Stanley Milgram study in relation to obedience?

He wanted to understand factors influencing why normal citizens would follow orders to injure or kill innocent people. Signup and view all the answers

What idea does social facilitation refer to?

The idea that the presence of others generally enhances performance. Signup and view all the answers

In the case of bystander apathy, what factor increases the chances of help being given?

If there are fewer bystanders, someone is more likely to help the victim. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological responses did southern men exhibit in response to verbal aggression?

Exhibiting increases in cortisol and testosterone. Signup and view all the answers

What is deindividuation?

A state of reduced individuality, reduced self-awareness, and reduced attention to personal standards. Signup and view all the answers

Why do humans engage in prosocial behavior?

To manage public image, help individuals in our gene pool, and relieve negative mood. Signup and view all the answers

What is group polarization?

The process by which initial attitudes of groups become more extreme over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following summarizes the biochemical basis of aggression?

Low serotonin levels hinder the prefrontal cortex's ability to regulate aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What is groupthink?

The mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a group overridges realistic appraisal of alternatives. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior may indicate an increased likelihood of helping others?

Being in a situation with only a few people present. Signup and view all the answers

What mental state occurs when a person recognizes inconsistency in actions, attitudes, or beliefs?

Cognitive dissonance. Signup and view all the answers

What is justification of effort?

The phenomenon where people perceive an outcome as more favorable due to the effort they put into achieving it. Signup and view all the answers

What best summarizes normative influence?

The tendency for people to conform to fit in with the group. Signup and view all the answers

What approach is most likely to persuade parents to allow Jamie to go on a trip?

Using descriptive, compelling reasons that will stick in her parents' minds. Signup and view all the answers

What is informational influence?

The tendency for people to conform when they assume that the behavior of others represents the correct way to respond. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Dynamics

Groupthink vs. Group Polarization: Groupthink leads to poor decisions due to peer pressure, while group polarization causes groups to adopt more extreme views.
In-group Favoritism: Preference shown by individuals for members of their own group over those from outgroups.
Social Facilitation: Increased performance occurs when individuals are in the presence of others.

Psychological Concepts

Outgroup Homogeneity Effect: Tendency to view members of an outgroup as similar, while seeing in-group members as diverse.
Social Identity Theory: Individuals identify with groups, experiencing pride through membership.
Normative Influence: Conformity to fit in with societal expectations, seen in behavior adjustments, like dress codes.
Obedience: Compliance with authority figures, studied by Milgram to understand factors influencing such behavior.

Behavioral Theories

Social Loafing: Group members exert less effort when working in a group.
Risky-Shift Effect: Groups tend to make riskier decisions than individuals working alone.
Deindividuation: Reduced self-awareness in group settings can lead to loss of individual responsibility.

Altruism and Helpfulness

Bystander Intervention Effect: Fewer bystanders increase the likelihood of helping behavior due to reduced diffusion of responsibility.
Cognitive Dissonance: Discomfort from conflicting beliefs leading to behavior change to align with beliefs.
Justification of Effort: Enduring hardships to obtain group membership increases perceived value.

Relationships and Love

Passionate vs. Companionate Love: Passionate love involves intense desire, while companionate love emphasizes deep friendships and commitments.
Accommodation in Relationships: Positive reactions to partner complaints strengthen relationships over time.

Attitude Types and Influences

Explicit vs. Implicit Attitudes: Explicit attitudes can be articulated, while implicit attitudes influence unconscious feelings and behaviors.
Cognitive Dissonance Examples: Situations such as insufficient justification or post-decisional dissonance highlight behavior adjustments in response to internal conflicts.

Attribution Theories

Personal vs. Situational Attributions: Personal attributions focus on internal traits, while situational attributions consider external circumstances.
Fundamental Attribution Error: Overemphasis on personality traits when explaining others' behaviors while underestimating situational factors.

Prejudice and Stereotypes

Prejudice: Negative feelings associated with stereotypes, leading to discrimination.
Modern Racism: Subtle prejudices that exist alongside avowed non-racism.
"What is beautiful is good" Stereotype: Attractive individuals are perceived as possessing superior qualities.

Decision-Making and Persuasion

Elaboration Likelihood Model: Describes two persuasion routes—central (thoughtful processing) and peripheral (impulsive decisions).
Post-decision Dissonance: Occurs after making choices, resolved by enhancing the attractiveness of the selected option.

Attraction Factors

Similar backgrounds, physical attraction, and frequent contact increase potential for friendship.
Characteristics influencing attractiveness include facial symmetry and amalgamation of appealing faces.

Attachment Styles

Secure Attachment: Comfort in closeness without fear of abandonment.
Insecure Attachment: Difficulty in trusting and depending on others.

Social Norms: Expected behaviors that guide individual conduct within groups.
Compliance Tactics: Techniques such as "foot in the door" and "door in the face" demonstrate how initial small requests can lead to larger commitments.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts from Chapter 12 of Social Psychology with these flashcards. Dive into topics such as groupthink, group polarization, and the outgroup homogeneity effect. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of social dynamics and group behavior.