Questions and Answers
What is the definition of social psychology according to Gordon Allport?
Social psychology uses scientific methods to understand and explain how the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of other human beings.
Which of the following topics are encompassed by social psychology? (Select all that apply)
Aggression is defined as violent behavior or attitudes toward another.
True
Prejudice is an opinion about someone based solely on their membership in a particular ______.
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What is the term for discrimination based on age, especially against the elderly?
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What does nonverbal behavior include?
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Match the following types of prejudice with their definitions:
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Study Notes
Understanding Social Psychology
- Social psychology studies the influence of social environments on individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Gordon Allport defined it as the scientific approach to understanding human interaction influenced by actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.
Individual Behavior and Social Environment
- Individual behavior often shifts based on the presence of others, highlighting the impact of social context.
- Different social groups influence behavior, with varying dynamics observed around friends versus colleagues.
Key Topics in Social Psychology
- Group Behavior: Collective attitudes and feelings of a group shaped by rules and regulations, contrasting with individual behavior.
- Social Perception: Ability to decode social cues to make judgments regarding roles, context, and relationships.
- Leadership: A process that harnesses social influence to motivate others towards achieving shared goals.
- Nonverbal Behavior: Communication through body language including gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.
- Conformity: Adjusting actions to align with social norms and standards.
- Aggression: Hostile behavior or readiness to confront others.
- Prejudice: Preconceived opinions based on group membership, including race, gender, and religion.
Nonverbal Communication Types
- Gestures: Intentional movements that convey meaning; examples include waving and pointing.
- Proxemics: The concept of personal space, essential for nonverbal communication.
- Eye Gaze: Eye behavior such as looking or staring conveys important nonverbal signals.
- Appearance: Choices in dress and grooming communicate social signals; color psychology links colors to moods.
Types of Prejudice
- Racism: Faulty belief in hierarchical behavioral traits among races based on physical appearance.
- Sexism: Gender-based discrimination, biased especially against women.
- Ageism: Discrimination targeting specific age groups, particularly the elderly.
- Classism: Valuation of individuals based on their social or economic status.
- Homophobia: Fear or discrimination against homosexuals and perceived homosexual behavior.
- Nationalism: The belief in alignment of the nation with the state for people identity.
- Religious Prejudice: Hostility or negative attitudes arising from differing religious beliefs.
- Xenophobia: Fear and hostility towards non-native individuals or cultures.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key concepts of social psychology, including group behavior, social perception, and the influence of social environments on individual behavior. This quiz will challenge your understanding of how social contexts shape our actions and feelings.
