Social Psychology Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the fundamental attribution error entail?

Recognizing the significance of values and beliefs on behavior.

Overemphasizing situational factors in behavior.

Underestimating the influence of personality traits.

Assuming behaviors are caused by internal factors rather than situational influences. (correct)

Which situational factor was highlighted in Milgram’s obedience study?

Social loafing.

Incremental commitment. (correct)

Peer pressure.

Groupthink.

How does Gestalt psychology contribute to understanding social behavior?

By emphasizing the importance of group dynamics.

By ignoring environmental influences.

By focusing solely on individual characteristics.

By highlighting the impact of situational context on perception. (correct)

The Good Samaritan Study demonstrates that altruistic behavior can be influenced by which of the following?

Situational pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of failing to recognize situational influences on behavior?

Potential misjudgment of others' character. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the amygdala in human behavior?

It processes emotional responses related to fear. Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the human neocortex contribute to social behavior?

It provides the foundation for reasoning and abstract thought. Signup and view all the answers

What does the naturalistic fallacy imply about social behaviors?

Certain prejudices are justified based on perceived natural behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes automatic processing from conscious processing?

Automatic processing is rapid and occurs without deliberate thought. Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is rich in dopamine receptors and influences decision-making?

Nucleus Accumbens Signup and view all the answers

What is naïve realism?

The belief that everyone's perception is biased except your own Signup and view all the answers

What role do channel factors play in behavior?

They explain why certain circumstances can significantly impact behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'nudge' concept influence behavior?

Through small prompts that can lead to significant behavioral changes Signup and view all the answers

What are schemas, in relation to stereotypes?

Cognitive frameworks that help categorize and interpret social information Signup and view all the answers

What happens when schemas are violated?

People tend to engage in deeper reflection regarding their expectations Signup and view all the answers

How does evolutionary psychology interpret social behavior?

As shaped by evolutionary processes that enhance survival and reproductive success Signup and view all the answers

What does natural selection imply about traits and survival?

Certain traits improve an individual's ability to survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What describes construals in social psychology?

Individual interpretations shaped by personal experiences and emotions Signup and view all the answers

What type of processing results in attitudes and beliefs that are explicit and consciously aware?

Controlled processing Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is typically associated with individualistic cultures?

Focus on individual distinctiveness Signup and view all the answers

In the Kim and Markus (1999) pen study, what was the main difference in pen color choice between Americans and Koreans?

Americans preferred unique colors while Koreans chose common colors Signup and view all the answers

What did Wang et al. (2017) find about independent participants in relation to brain structure?

They exhibited denser gray matter in regions responsible for self-thought Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes collectivistic cultures?

Placing less importance on individual autonomy Signup and view all the answers

How do autonomic processes relate to implicit attitudes and beliefs?

They arise without conscious control Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is emphasized in the uniqueness research by Nicole Stephens?

The importance of unique traits in working-class backgrounds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about explicit attitudes is true?

They can become nonconscious over time Signup and view all the answers

How do middle-class individuals typically feel when a friend buys the same car they recently purchased?

They would feel disappointed due to a desire for uniqueness. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'tight' society?

Strongly defined norms that are explicitly followed by members. Signup and view all the answers

What bias involves the tendency to believe that one could have predicted an outcome after it has occurred?

Hindsight bias Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of folk theories in understanding the social world?

They are based on intuition and personal experiences without empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can social psychology enhance critical thinking skills?

By engaging in scientific exercises that apply critical thinking to daily life. Signup and view all the answers

What does confirmation bias refer to when evaluating a proposition?

The habit of only looking for supportive evidence for a proposition. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the scientific method?

It is a logical approach to investigate phenomena systematically. Signup and view all the answers

How might societies become tighter?

In response to a common threat or challenge. Signup and view all the answers

What does the value of simpatía emphasize in Latino cultures?

Warm and affectionate social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional regulation strategy involves recognizing emotions as brief and contextual?

Acceptance Signup and view all the answers

In which cultural context is positive emotion often suppressed for social harmony?

Interdependent cultures Signup and view all the answers

What effect do positive emotions have on reasoning, according to Alice Isen's studies?

They enhance flexible and creative reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'broaden and build hypothesis' suggest about positive emotions?

They broaden thoughts and actions to build social resources. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main findings from Isen's studies related to mood and categorization?

Participants in positive moods generated more diverse associations. Signup and view all the answers

How do positive emotions impact negotiation outcomes, according to Carnavale and Isen's findings?

They facilitate reaching optimal agreements through flexible thinking. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately describes the emotional display in interdependent cultures?

Emotional suppression is common to maintain harmony. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following biases with their descriptions related to affective forecasting:

Immune neglect = Underestimating resilience in response to life events Focalism = Focusing excessively on central aspects of an event Duration neglect = Overlooking the importance of emotional experience length Affective forecasting = Predicting future emotional states and their duration Signup and view all the answers

Match the following factors to their social implications:

Positive emotions = Stronger social ties with romantic partners Viewing similarities = Perceiving oneself closer to outgroup members Holistic thinking = Preference for global over local perception Varied responses = More creativity in problem-solving environments Signup and view all the answers

Match the studies with their findings regarding happiness:

Fredrickson, 2001 = Positive emotions can deepen social connections Waugh & Fredrickson, 2006 = Positive emotions enhance perceptions of similarity Isen's studies = Positive emotions improve reasoning and categorization Carnavale and Isen's findings = Positive emotions lead to better negotiation outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

Broadening thought patterns = Generated more varied responses in positive emotional states Global perception = Choosing overall arrangements in visual tasks Local perception = Focusing on specific details in visual tasks Positive emotions = Encouraging broader thinking and deeper social ties Signup and view all the answers

Match the following emotional experiences with their related impacts:

Pleasurable experiences = Often disregarded for their length in assessments Unpleasant experiences = Perceived as more impactful when not considering duration Emotional forecasting = Relies on predictions about happiness and its duration Social connections = Strengthened through the presence of positive emotions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research designs with their key attributes:

Correlational design = Measures relationship between variables Experimental design = Manipulates independent variable Natural experiment = Compares naturally occurring events Field experiment = Conducted in a natural environment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with their corresponding terms:

Independent variable = Hypothesized cause in experiments Dependent variable = Hypothesized effect in experiments Control condition = Baseline condition for comparison Replication = Reproducing experiments to confirm results Signup and view all the answers

Match the following advantages of experiments with their descriptions:

Cause-and-effect = Establishes relationships between variables Control over variables = Minimizes external influences Objectivity = Reduces bias in data collection Hypothesis testing = Evaluates specific predictions Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their examples:

Natural experiment = Air pollution measures during Beijing Olympics Field experiment = Research conducted in a real-world setting Correlational study = Examines relationship between study habits and grades Laboratory experiment = Research in a controlled environment Signup and view all the answers

Match the following limitations of correlational designs with their explanations:

Causation = Can't establish cause-and-effect relationships Third variable = Unmeasured variable may influence results Directionality = Uncertainty about which variable influences which Measurement error = Inaccurate measurements can distort relationships Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics of control conditions with their explanations:

Placebo effect = Participants think they are receiving treatment Baseline comparison = Serves as a standard for evaluating results Random assignment = Ensures groups are comparable Standardized procedures = Keeps conditions consistent across trials Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of research to their relevant fields:

Behavioral research = Studies influence of situations on actions Psychological experiments = Manipulates conditions to test hypotheses Social psychology = Explores interactions between individuals and society Cognitive psychology = Examines mental processes behind behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Match the following descriptions with research terminology:

Experimental research = Involves manipulation of independent variable Observational study = Simply watches and records behavior Survey research = Gathers data from questionnaires Case study = In-depth analysis of a single case or event Signup and view all the answers

Match the cultural types with their descriptions:

Individualistic = Defines self as distinct from others, values independence Collectivistic = Defines self as part of a group, values harmony Autonomic Process = Gives rise to implicit attitudes that are hard to control Controlled Processing = Results in explicit attitudes that we are aware of Signup and view all the answers

Match the studies with their findings:

Kim and Markus (1999) = Americans preferred a unique pen color over a common one Wang et al. (2017) = Independent participants showed denser gray matter in self-related brain areas Nicole Stephens study = Examines uniqueness perception in working-class vs middle-class individuals Cultural Difference Study = Collectivistic individuals emphasize group cohesion over personal preference Signup and view all the answers

Match the terms with their definitions:

Explicit attitudes = Attitudes we are consciously aware of Implicit attitudes = Attitudes that influence our behavior unconsciously Independent self-construal = Emphasis on personal goals and achievements Interdependent self-construal = Emphasis on relationships and group goals Signup and view all the answers

Match the cultural concepts with examples:

Individualistic culture = Focus on personal distinctiveness Collectivistic culture = Preference for collective action Autonomic response = Immediate action in response to danger Controlled thought = Awareness of using a formula in math Signup and view all the answers

Match the participants with their cultural backgrounds and pen choices:

Americans = Tend to choose the unique color pen Koreans = Tend to choose the common color pen Chinese in Wang et al. (2017) = Study their brain structure related to independence Participants in Nicole Stephens study = Explore uniqueness in cultural contexts Signup and view all the answers

Match the concepts with their significance:

Korean participants in studies = Chose common items reflecting collectivistic preference American participants in studies = Chose unique items reflecting individualistic preference Self-agency in brain studies = Linked to features of individualism Cultural distinctions in processing = Influence how attitudes are formed and expressed Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of processing with their attributes:

Autonomic processing = Quick, unconscious responses to stimuli Controlled processing = Deliberate, conscious engagement with information Implicit beliefs = Formed without awareness or conscious control Explicit beliefs = Formed with awareness and deliberate thought Signup and view all the answers

Match the cultural traits with their relevant studies:

Individualistic traits = Self-reliance and personal freedom Collectivistic traits = Emphasis on group harmony and interdependence Kim and Markus (1999) study = Demonstrates cultural preferences through pen choice Wang et al. (2017) findings = Links brain structure with individual versus collective self-perception Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their correct definitions:

Folk theories = Theories based on personal experiences and cultural norms, lacking scientific support Confirmation bias = Tendency to seek evidence supporting a proposition over contradictory information Hindsight bias = Belief that one could have predicted an outcome after it has occurred Social psychological theories = Frameworks supported by empirical data explaining social influences on behavior Signup and view all the answers

Match the following societal characteristics with their descriptions:

Tight societies = Communities where norms are explicit and compliance is strong Loose societies = Communities with weaker norms and less certain compliance Collectivistic cultures = Societies that emphasize group harmony over individual uniqueness Individualistic cultures = Societies that prioritize personal achievements and distinctiveness Signup and view all the answers

Match the biases to their descriptions:

Hindsight bias = The belief that one could have predicted an event after it happens Confirmation bias = The tendency to only look for evidence that supports one’s beliefs Cognitive dissonance = Mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs Self-serving bias = Attributing success to one's own actions while blaming failures on external factors Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their corresponding descriptions:

Focal Emotions = Emotions commonly and intensely experienced in specific cultures Ideal Emotions = Emotions valued differently across cultures based on cultural ideals Emotional Mimicry = Automatic copying of others' emotional expressions Role of Touch = The impact of physical contact on social bonds and team performance Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts in social psychology with their examples:

Confirmation bias = Participants in a study seeking only information that confirms their hypothesis about winning tennis matches Hindsight bias = Feeling that an event was predictable after learning about it Tight society = A community with strict social norms, influencing individual behavior Loose society = A community where different behaviors are tolerated and encouraged Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research methods to their explanations:

Scientific method = Systematic logical approach to investigate and acquire knowledge Empirical data = Information obtained through observation or experimentation Casual observation = Personal scrutiny that may be biased and limited Theoretical framework = A structured method for explaining phenomena supported by data Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cultural concepts with their associated emotions:

Cultures of Honor = Anger as a focal emotion triggered by insults Interdependent Cultures = Shame and embarrassment reflecting concern for others Western Cultures = Valuing excitement for independence and self-expression East Asian Cultures = Valuing calmness and contentment for harmony Signup and view all the answers

Match the studies or authors with their findings:

Kraus et al. (2010) = NBA teams that touched more performed better Chang et al. (2017) = Musicians improving performance through emotional mimicry Bernieri & Rosenthal (1991) = Children imitating gestures and emotional expressions Wiltermuth & Heath (2009) = Mimicking emotions fostering greater cooperation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions to the relevant terms:

Collectivistic societies = Emphasize shared goals and harmony with the group Individualistic societies = Focus on independence and personal achievement Tight cultures = Strong norms that individuals are expected to follow Loose cultures = More flexibility in social norms and individual behavior Signup and view all the answers

Match the following psychological concepts with their descriptions:

Social psychological theories = Based on empirical evidence regarding social influences Folk theories = Derived from personal experiences lacking scientific validation Cognitive biases = Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment Critical thinking = Using scientific tools to engage with information logically Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Unconscious Mirroring = Mimicking emotions without awareness Collective Performance = Group effectiveness enhanced by emotional synchronization Social Cohesion = Strengthening relationships through shared emotions Emotional Expression = Variations in emotional displays across cultures Signup and view all the answers

Match the following societal reactions with their contexts:

Middle-class reactions = Disappointment when a friend buys the same car Working-class reactions = Happiness in sharing similarities with a friend Tightening of society = Unified response when facing a common threat Loose social norms = Greater tolerance for individual differences within the community Signup and view all the answers

Match the following emotional expressions with the cultures they are primarily associated with:

Intense Displays of Shame = East Asian athletes after a loss Excitement and Independence = Western cultures during celebration Calmness and Contentment = East Asian cultures in social interactions Anger and Honor = Cultures of Honor in response to threats Signup and view all the answers

Match the following emotional attributes with their cultural context:

Emotion Valuation = How cultures assess the worth of specific emotions Emotional Cooperation = Enhanced through mimicking in social groups Autonomous Emotional Expressions = Individualistic cultures often emphasize self-expression Contextual Touch = Physical gestures promoting trust and gratitude Signup and view all the answers

Match the following authors with their contributions:

Bernieri & Rosenthal = Role models in childhood emotional imitation Chang et al. = Musical performance linked to emotional mimicry Kraus et al. = Impact of touch on sports performance Wiltermuth & Heath = Link between mimicking and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms about emotional expressions with the respective descriptions:

Cultural Ideals = Influence the most valued emotions Focal Emotions in Collectives = Emotions deeply felt in interdependent groups Mimicking in Teams = Leads to better group dynamics Touch in Sports = Fosters team cohesion and performance Signup and view all the answers

Match the following emotional regulation strategies with their descriptions:

Reappraisal = Rethinking the causes of emotions Acceptance = Recognizing emotions as fleeting Suppression = Minimizing outward emotional displays Emotion Regulation = Strategies to modify emotions for social contexts Signup and view all the answers

Match the primary cultural characteristics with their respective cultures:

Latino Cultures = Value simpatía and experience gratitude East Asian Cultures = Tend to suppress positive emotions for social harmony Individualistic Cultures = Emphasize personal enthusiasm and success Collectivistic Cultures = Downplay personal achievements to maintain harmony Signup and view all the answers

Match the studies with their key contributions to positive emotions:

Isen (1987) = Demonstrated positive emotions enhance flexible reasoning Carnevale & Isen (1986) = Showed positive emotions aid in reaching optimal agreements Isen (1993) = Highlighted mood boosts lead to novel associations Broaden and Build Hypothesis = Claims positive emotions help build social resources Signup and view all the answers

Match the term with its definition in the context of emotional influence:

Positive Emotions = Expand thoughts and actions Negative Emotions = Narrow intentions and thoughts Flexible Reasoning = Incorporating multiple perspectives in problem-solving Social Resources = Relationships and networks built through positive interactions Signup and view all the answers

Match the positive effect with its result indicated in Isen's studies:

Finding a coin = Led to creative responses Receiving candy = Enhanced novel association generation Positive mood = Categorized items inclusively Neutral mood = Defined categories narrowly Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cultural aspects with their emotional outcomes:

Interdependent Cultures = More likely to suppress positive emotions Personal Enthusiasm = Downplayed in interdependent contexts Simpatía in Latino Cultures = Emphasizes warmth and affectionate interactions Cultural Variations = Affect how emotions are expressed and regulated Signup and view all the answers

Match the strategy with its corresponding cultural context:

Reappraisal = Used in contexts promoting emotional understanding Suppression = Common in interdependent cultures for maintaining harmony Acceptance = Acknowledges emotions within cultural limits Emotion Regulation = Varies based on cultural expectations Signup and view all the answers

Match the findings with their respective hypotheses or implications:

Broadening Effect = Positive emotions enhance creativity and flexibility Building Effect = Positive emotions create social resources Narrowing Effect = Negative emotions may limit cognitive flexibility Optimal Agreements = Flexibility in negotiation is influenced by positive emotions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific study of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in social situations
Milgram's obedience study and the Good Samaritan Study reveal situational power influencing behavior
Study shows ordinary people can engage in harmful behaviors under situational pressures (authority, incremental commitment, ambiguity of responsibility)
Fundamental attribution error: assuming the cause of behavior is dispositional (personality, beliefs) instead of situational
Gestalt Psychology: perception is influenced by interpretations, not just objective reality
Naïve realism: believing we see the world directly and unbiasedly
Channel factors: small, seemingly unimportant circumstances can significantly influence behavior
Nudges: small prompts to influence behavior
Cultural distinctions: Individualistic (individual needs, autonomy) and collectivistic (group needs, harmony) cultures influence behavior

Research Methods

Scientific method: empirical approach to acquire new knowledge (observation, theory, hypothesis)
Observational research: systematic observation and analysis of a phenomenon
Archival research: using existing records (e.g., historical data) to study behaviors and trends
Surveys: gathering data via questionnaires or interviews
Correlational research: studying the relationship between variables (not causation)
Experimental research: manipulating variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships
Control conditions: baseline group used as a comparison to the experimental group
Natural experiment: using naturally occurring situations to study behaviors/events
Field experiment: conducting experiments in real-world settings

The Self

Self-schemas: cognitive structures representing beliefs and feelings about the self
Working self-concept: subset of self-knowledge relevant to the current context
Spontaneous self-concept: most relevant aspects of the self in a particular moment
Social comparison theory: comparing ourselves to others to assess our opinions and abilities
Downward social comparison: comparing ourselves to those worse off to boost self-esteem
Upward social comparison: comparing ourselves to those better off for motivation
Self-esteem: overall evaluation of oneself (trait vs. state)
Contingencies of self-worth: self-esteem varies based on successes and failures in specific areas
Self-enhancement: desire to maintain/enhance positive self-views
Self-verification: desire to be seen/understood by others as we see ourselves
Emotional mimicry: copying emotional expressions of others (important for collaboration and social interaction)

Emotions

Primary appraisal: initial judgment of an event's relevance to goals
Secondary appraisal: evaluation of one's ability to cope with an event or situation
Emotions: short-lived, specific responses to situations (physiological changes, expressive behavior, subjective experience)
Moods: longer-lasting and less specific emotional states
Affect: broad term covering both emotions and moods
Functions of emotions: intrapersonal (influencing internal states), interpersonal (social relations), and sociocultural (cultural norms)
Emotional expression across cultures: variations in the expression of emotions due to cultural display rules
Emotional regulation: strategies for modifying emotions based on social context or improving well-being (reappraisal, acceptance, suppression)
Affective forecasting: predicting future emotional responses; often inaccurate due to biases (immune neglect, focalism, duration neglect)

Motivational Sacrificial Behavior

Motivational Sacrificial Behavior: prioritizing needs of others over immediate self-interest
Oxytocin: hormone associated with social bonding, trust, and caregiving
Emotions that influence motivational behavior: guilt, anger

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Description

Explore the key concepts of social psychology, including the impact of situational factors on behavior as demonstrated in studies like Milgram's and the Good Samaritan Study. Understand the fundamental attribution error, Gestalt psychology, and the influence of cultural distinctions on behavior. This quiz will help you grasp the complexities of human interactions and motivations in social contexts.