Social Psychology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does social psychology primarily study?

The influence of genetic factors on behavior

The effectiveness of brain structures in information processing

How individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts (correct)

The history of psychological theories

What did Milgram's Obedience Study illustrate about authority figures?

They have no effect on individual moral beliefs

They create genuine friendships among participants

They reinforce personal traits like compassion

They can influence individuals to act against their moral beliefs (correct)

The fundamental attribution error refers to the tendency to:

Consider external circumstances when analyzing actions

Understand that behaviors are shaped by group dynamics

Attribute personal behaviors to internal traits (correct)

Recognize situational factors in others' behaviors

What is a key concept of gestalt psychology relevant to social behavior?

The perception of the whole rather than isolated components Signup and view all the answers

What do channel factors and nudges refer to in social psychology?

Minor situational influences that can guide behavior Signup and view all the answers

How are schemas formed according to social psychology?

Through experience and socialization Signup and view all the answers

In the context of evolutionary psychology, behaviors are primarily explained as:

Adaptations to historical challenges faced by ancestors Signup and view all the answers

What common mistake does the naturalistic fallacy represent?

Assuming what is natural is inherently good or acceptable Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the tendency to view oneself as above average in positive traits?

Better-than-average effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between self-enhancement and self-verification motives?

Self-enhancement desires positive self-views, while self-verification desires consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a strategy of self-enhancement?

Basking in reflected glory Signup and view all the answers

What is self-regulation primarily concerned with?

Controlling behavior to achieve goals Signup and view all the answers

Which cultural perspective emphasizes personal achievement?

Independent cultures Signup and view all the answers

What principle states that people assess causation by considering both consensus and distinctiveness?

Covariation principle Signup and view all the answers

What effect describes the phenomenon where people are influenced by how information is presented?

Framing effects Signup and view all the answers

In the actor-observer difference, how do actors typically attribute their own behavior?

To external factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the emotional response based on cognitive appraisals?

Emotion Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT included in the definition of emotions?

Long-lasting mood state Signup and view all the answers

Which theory of emotion posits that emotional response and physiological changes occur simultaneously?

Cannon-Bard theory Signup and view all the answers

What role does oxytocin play in human interactions?

Promotes bonding and trust Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by emotional mimicry?

Unconscious imitation of others’ emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mood disorders?

Brief emotional responses Signup and view all the answers

What describes the difference between tight and loose societies?

Tight societies exhibit strict norms and low tolerance for deviance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of the scientific method?

Drawing conclusions is the final step after testing hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

What do self-schemas influence in an individual's social experiences?

They guide attention, memory, and the perception of self-relevant information. Signup and view all the answers

How does upward social comparison typically affect an individual?

It often results in feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines internal validity in research?

The extent to which results are influenced solely by the independent variable. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of self-esteem, what does trait self-esteem refer to?

A stable and enduring sense of self-worth over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of experimental research?

To manipulate independent variables and establish causality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the control condition in experimental design?

To serve as a baseline for comparison to experimental groups. Signup and view all the answers

How does confirmation bias typically affect an individual's understanding?

It causes individuals to ignore information that contradicts existing beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the spontaneous self-concept?

It varies based on the most salient traits in a given social setting. Signup and view all the answers

Which method combines different perspectives for a more accurate self-understanding?

Integrating both self-knowledge and other-knowledge for a comprehensive understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of correlational research?

It cannot determine causation due to potential third variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common implication of cultural differences in self-representation, according to the findings from Nicole Stephens' study?

Working-class values emphasize individuality over collectivism. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the Contingencies of Self-Worth Model demonstrate?

Self-esteem fluctuates based on success or failure in valued domains. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of positive emotions according to Fredrickson’s hypothesis?

They broaden attention and build resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which bias refers to underestimating coping mechanisms when predicting future emotions?

Immune Neglect Signup and view all the answers

Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains discomfort due to what?

Holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main characteristic of the Central route in the Elaboration Likelihood Model?

High-effort, logical processing of information. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sleeper effect refer to in communication?

Delayed impact of a message due to source discounting. Signup and view all the answers

In Milgram’s experiments, which factor increased the likelihood of obedience?

Legitimacy of the authority. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Foot-in-the-Door technique involve?

Getting agreement to a small request to lead to a larger request. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Need to Belong considered a fundamental human motivation?

It requires ongoing social interaction to be met. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of Effort Justification in Cognitive Dissonance Theory?

Increasing the perceived value of outcomes that required effort. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the Term ‘Attitude Inoculation’?

Generating resistant attitudes through exposure to weak arguments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a bias related to selective evaluation?

Attentional Biases. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Terror Management Theory, what motivates symbolic immortality?

Awareness of mortality. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes the perception that media is biased against one's viewpoint?

Hostile Media Phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key finding of LaPiere’s study on attitudes and behavior?

External factors can lead to discrepancies between attitudes and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship is characterized by providing support without expecting anything in return?

Communal relationship Signup and view all the answers

In which type of culture are exchange relationships more common?

Western cultures Signup and view all the answers

What do rewards refer to in social exchange theory?

Positive outcomes from relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind equity theory in relationships?

Equal contributions from both partners Signup and view all the answers

What attachment style is characterized by children being overly distressed and having difficulty calming down?

Anxious attachment Signup and view all the answers

What research method did Mary Ainsworth use to update attachment theory?

Strange Situation paradigm Signup and view all the answers

What impact does functional distance have on social interactions?

Increases the chances of encountering others Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that people tend to develop positive feelings toward things they are repeatedly exposed to?

Mere Exposure Effect Signup and view all the answers

What is a high comparison level in relationships associated with?

Expectations for high rewards Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence if one partner in a relationship cannot reciprocate?

Feelings of distress or guilt Signup and view all the answers

Which attachment style is exhibited when children avoid their caregiver and show little distress during separation?

Avoidant attachment Signup and view all the answers

What situational factor can lead people to prefer complementarity in relationships?

Balancing personal weaknesses Signup and view all the answers

What psychological issue can result from social isolation in humans?

Loneliness causing depression Signup and view all the answers

In Harlow's Monkey Study, what did the monkeys prefer when given a choice?

Soft, comforting 'mother' Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary factor that leads people to make moral judgments according to the Social-Intuitionist Model?

Automatic emotional intuitions Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon demonstrates that individuals may believe something is wrong but cannot articulate their reasoning?

Moral dumbfounding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following moral foundations is primarily concerned with justice and equality?

Fairness/Reciprocity Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is an individual more likely to help someone in need?

When the victim resembles them in social class Signup and view all the answers

Which motive for altruistic behavior is characterized by a desire for praise or social status?

Competitive altruism Signup and view all the answers

What effect describes the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help when others are present?

Diffusion of responsibility Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional reaction is commonly associated with the moral foundation of Purity/Sanctity?

Disgust Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most likely influences altruistic behavior based on the environment a person lives in?

Population density Signup and view all the answers

How does empathic concern differ from personal distress in motivating altruistic behavior?

Empathic concern aims to alleviate others' suffering, while personal distress focuses on relieving one's own discomfort. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason rural areas may exhibit higher levels of altruistic behavior compared to urban areas?

Lower population density leads to closer community ties. Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions under which the Contact Hypothesis suggests that contact can reduce prejudice?

Equal status and opportunities for personal interactions Signup and view all the answers

Which ideologies emphasize cultural differences but may alienate members of majority groups?

Multiculturalism Signup and view all the answers

How do stereotypes often become self-reinforcing?

By recognizing disconfirming evidence as exceptions Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism under Social Dominance Theory refers to societal norms that reinforce inequities?

Institutional Discrimination Signup and view all the answers

What does Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) measure?

Preference for maintaining social hierarchies Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of dehumanization?

Describing certain groups using disparaging language Signup and view all the answers

The Stereotype Content Model suggests stereotypes can be structured along which two dimensions?

Warmth and Competence Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of Attributional Ambiguity for marginalized individuals?

They struggle to determine if mistreatment is due to bias Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes stereotype threat?

Fear of confirming negative stereotypes leading to poorer performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason women tend to be more selective in mate preferences?

Women invest more in child-rearing, seeking resource providers. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the Illusion of Economic Mobility?

Wealth disparities are seen as a result of individual effort Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT part of the Investment Model of Commitment?

Physical attraction Signup and view all the answers

What is the halo effect?

The assumption that attractive people possess other positive qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What results from Behavioral Asymmetries in social dominance contexts?

Dominant groups maintaining their power through deferential behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which Big 5 personality trait is linked to relationship dissatisfaction and divorce?

Neuroticism Signup and view all the answers

How does the economic perspective explain intergroup conflict?

Arising from competition for limited resources Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'ingroup favoritism' refer to?

Preference for one's own group without animosity toward outgroups. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does social interaction less frequently than within-group interaction have on there being discomfort?

Creates barriers due to fear of reinforcing stereotypes Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon does Intersectionality highlight in the context of discrimination?

The unique challenges faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities Signup and view all the answers

What are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the context of relationships?

Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with feelings of love?

Dopamine Signup and view all the answers

What role do unstable partner relationships often play in women's mate choices?

They increase the likelihood of choosing partners with high status. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of love is characterized by passion and intimacy without commitment?

Romantic love Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the tendency to overestimate links between distinct events regarding stereotypes?

Illusory correlation Signup and view all the answers

What is a major issue with explicit measures of prejudice?

They may not capture true beliefs due to social desirability bias. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept refers to the belief that attractive people possess other desirable traits?

Halo effect Signup and view all the answers

Which sociocultural perspective suggests women prefer stability in partners?

Sociocultural perspective Signup and view all the answers

During economic difficulty, which theory suggests that prejudice intensifies?

Realistic Group Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition: Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social contexts. It examines how others, social situations, and group dynamics influence actions.
Power of the Situation: Situational factors strongly impact behavior; Milgram's obedience study and the Good Samaritan study illustrate this.
Fundamental Attribution Error: People often attribute others' behavior to internal traits instead of situational factors.
Gestalt Psychology: Perception of the whole is more important than individual parts; construals (interpretations) shape social behaviors.
Channel Factors and Nudges: Small situational cues can significantly influence behavior.
Schemas: Mental frameworks used to organize knowledge, often influenced by stereotypes. These schemas are formed through experience and socialization, and their violation can lead to adjustments.
Evolutionary Psychology: Behavior is often explained through adaptations to ancestral challenges; natural selection promotes survival-enhancing traits. Cross-cultural similarities in language, emotional bonds, and theory of mind are explained through this lens.
Human Brain and Social Behavior: The human brain, with its prefrontal cortex for complex social cognition, differs from other mammals.
Naturalistic Fallacy: Avoiding the mistake of assuming what is natural is also morally correct.
Automatic vs. Conscious Processing: Automatic processes are unconscious, fast, and effortless, while conscious processes are deliberate, slow, and effortful.
Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Cultures: Cultural differences in self-perception impact behavior; for instance, collectivist cultures emphasize group harmony, while individualistic cultures prioritize individual achievements.
Tight vs. Loose Societies: Tight societies have strict norms and low tolerance for deviance; loose societies are more flexible.
Improving Critical Thinking: Recognizing biases that can distort behavior analysis is key.

Folk Theories vs. Social Psychological Theories: Folk theories are intuitive explanations; social psychology uses scientific methods to explain behavior.
Hindsight Bias: The tendency to think outcomes were predictable after they occur.
Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs.
Scientific Method: Systematic observation, hypotheses formulation, testing, and conclusions are crucial.
Observational Research: Observing and recording behavior in natural settings, such as playground interactions.
Archival Research: Analyzing existing data, such as newspaper articles.
Surveys: Gathering self-reported information.
Correlational Research: Examining relationships between variables but not establishing causation.
Experimental Research: Manipulating variables allows researchers to establish causal relationships.
Key Concepts in Experimental Design: Measured vs. manipulated variables, control groups, and experimental conditions.
Special Experimental Types: Natural vs. field experiments, which use naturally occurring events or real-world settings.
Validity Types: Internal (causation), external (generalizability), and construct (accuracy).
Confounds: Unintended factors that affect the dependent variable, threatening internal validity.
Statistical Significance and Null Hypothesis Testing: Evaluating whether findings are likely due to chance.
Replication Studies: Repeating studies to confirm the reliability of findings.
Ethics in Research: Informed consent, debriefing, and IRB oversight are essential.

Self-Schemas: Cognitive structures representing beliefs and feelings about the self; these schemas influence information processing, behavior, and future predictions.
Working Self-Concept: The subset of self-knowledge that's activated in a specific context, dynamically shaped by situational cues.
Spontaneous Self-Concept: The aspects of the self that stand out in a particular situation.
Self-Knowledge vs. Other-Knowledge: Self-knowledge is stronger about internal traits, while others' knowledge is better for external traits.
Social Comparison Theory: Evaluating the self by comparing to others.
Downward Comparison: Comparing to those worse off, bolstering self-esteem.
Upward Comparison: Comparing to those better off, inspiring improvement or creating feelings of inadequacy.
Self-Esteem: The overall evaluation of oneself; trait (stable) vs. state (situational).
Contingencies of Self-Worth: Self-esteem dependent on successes or failures in specific domains.
Motives Driving Self-Evaluation: Better-than-average effect, self-serving biases, and self-enhancement vs. self-verification motives.
Self-Regulation: Strategies for controlling behavior toward goals.
Cultural Contributions to Self and Self-Esteem: Independent vs. interdependent cultures shape self-perceptions.

Chapter 4: Judging Others

Snap Judgments: Quick assessments of others' traits and behavior, often accurate but incomplete.
Inferring Causes of Behavior: Attributing behavior to internal or external causes.
Covariation Principle: Considering consensus, distinctiveness, and consistency of an action to determine causes.
Discounting Principle: The extent to which confidence in one cause lessens if other causes exist.
Counterfactual Thinking: Imagining "what might have been" impacts emotional responses.
Errors and Biases in Attribution: Self-serving bias, fundamental attribution error, and the actor-observer difference.
How Information is Presented: Framing effects (order, spin, positive/negative), schemas, and heuristics influence perceptions.
Schemas and Processing: Schemas guide perceptions and can create illusory correlations.
Reason and Intuition: Intuitive processing is fast, but reasoning is slower and more deliberate.

Chapter 5: Emotions

Definition and Arising of Emotions: Brief, specific responses to events.
Mood vs. Emotion vs. Mood Disorders: Long-lasting affective states vs. brief specific states.
Components of Emotions: Physiological arousal, subjective experience, and behavioral expression.
Functions of Emotions: Adaptive responses like fear triggering the fight/flight response.
Functional Value of Specific Emotions: Fear (survival), shame (social cohesion), anger (justice).
Theories of Emotion: Key theories include James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, and Schachter-Singer.
Evolutionary Perspective: Emotions often have universal expressions, and similar displays exist in animals.
Social Functional Theory: Emotions maintain group cohesion and solve social problems.
Oxytocin: Hormone related to bonding and trust, showing effects in voles and humans.
Emotional Mimicry: Unconscious imitation of others' emotions.
Role of Touch: Touch promotes trust and cooperation, such as observed in sports teams.
Cultural Variations in Emotion: Different cultures hold different values about emotions, which impact emotional regulation.
Positive Emotions: Broaden attention and build resources.
Affective Forecasting: Predicting future emotions, often inaccurate due to biases like immune neglect, focalism, and duration neglect.

Chapter 6: Attitudes, Behavior, and Rationalization

Attitudes: Evaluations of objects, people, or ideas (affective, cognitive, and behavioral components).
Measuring Attitudes: Explicit measures (surveys) and implicit measures (e.g., IAT).
Attitude-Behavior Relationship: Attitudes don't always predict behaviors; external factors and introspection can cause discrepancies.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory: Discomfort from conflicting beliefs or behaviors; individuals rationalize their actions to reduce this discomfort.
Self-Perception Theory: Inferring attitudes from behaviors when internal cues are ambiguous.
System Justification Theory: Motivations to defend and legitimize existing systems.
Terror Management Theory (TMT): Awareness of mortality motivates symbolic immortality linked to beliefs and culture.

Chapter 7: Persuasion

Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM): Central (logical) and peripheral (superficial cues) routes to persuasion.
Source Characteristics: Features of the persuasive source (attractiveness, credibility, expertise).
Message Characteristics: Elements of the message itself (clarity, emotional appeals).
Audience Characteristics: Audience traits (mood, age, attention) influence persuadability.
Attentional Biases and Selective Evaluation: Focus on supporting information and resistance to persuasion.
Ideological Commitments and Thought Polarization: Stronger beliefs raise resistance to persuasion.
Attitude Inoculation: Exposure to weak arguments builds resistance to stronger ones.
Agenda Control: Media influencing what issues people consider important.
Hostile Media Phenomenon: Perception that media is biased against one's view.

Types of Social Influence: Conformity, compliance, and obedience.
Key Studies: Sherif's (informational influence), Asch's (normative influence), and Milgram's (obedience) experiments.
Factors Influencing Conformity: Group size, unanimity, status, and public response.
Compliance Techniques: Door-in-the-face, foot-in-the-door.
Mood and Compliance: Positive moods increase compliance.
Milgram's Experiments: High obedience to authority, despite moral conflict.

### Chapters 9-12: Social Relationships

(Summarized)*
Need to Belong: Fundamental human motivation for social connection with evolutionary benefits. Social isolation leads to psychological stress; empirical evidence exists in non-human animals and human studies of ostracism.
Communal vs. Exchange Relationships: Communal relationships are based on mutual care, while exchange relationships are based on reciprocity.
Social Exchange Theory: Relationships based on balancing the rewards and costs.
Equity Theory: Relationships based on perceived fairness of contributions.
Attachment Theory: Early caregiver interactions impact attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant).
Proximity and Mere Exposure: Physical closeness (functional distance) and repeated exposure increase liking.
Similarity and Attraction: Similarity in attitudes and values promotes relationships.
Physical Attractiveness: Universal features (e.g., symmetry) influence attraction.
Gender Differences in Mate Preferences: Both sociocultural and evolutionary factors influence mate selection; women often seek resources, while men often seek signs of fertility.
Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love: Combines intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Investment Model of Commitment: Satisfaction, alternatives, and investment influence commitment in relationships.
Big Five Personality Traits and Relationships: Certain traits (neuroticism, extraversion) predict relationship success.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Conflict behaviors (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling) negatively impact relationships.

Chapter 10: Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination

Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination: Defined and differentiated.
Contemporary Prejudice: Modern racism, subtle biases.
Measuring Prejudice: Explicit and implicit measures.
Theoretical Perspectives: Economic (realistic group conflict), motivational (social identity), cognitive (stereotyping).
Reducing Prejudice: Individual and intergroup approaches, including the contact hypothesis.
Diversity Ideologies: Multiculturalism vs. colorblindness.

Chapter 11: Living in a Prejudiced World

Social Dominance Theory: Societal hierarchies, individual discrimination, and institutional discrimination.
Social Dominance Orientation (SDO): Measures the desire to maintain hierarchies.
Legitimizing Myths: Beliefs supporting inequality (e.g., meritocracy).
Dehumanization: Seeing certain groups as less human.
The Stereotype Content Model: Stereotypes analyzed based on warmth and competence.
Effects of Prejudice on Individuals: Attributional ambiguity, stereotype threat, concealment
Effects on Social Interactions and Society: Intergroup interactions, social safety nets, inequality perception gap.

Chapter 14: Morality and Altruism

Social-Intuitionist Model: Moral judgments often stem from automatic emotional intuitions.
Moral Foundations Theory: Universal moral intuitions arranged in five foundations.
Altruism: Actions intended to benefit others; driven by social reward, personal distress, or empathy.
Situational Determinants: Bystander effect, victim characteristics.
Construal Processes: How situations are interpreted impacts helping behavior.
Cultural Influences: Rural vs. Urban areas and social class affect altruistic behavior.

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Test your understanding of key concepts in social psychology, including Milgram's Obedience Study, fundamental attribution error, and more. This quiz covers significant theories and principles that shape human behavior and social interactions. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of psychology.