Social Psychology Quiz & Flashcards

Social loafing refers to individuals exerting less effort when working in a group compared to working alone.

Groupthink is the tendency for group members to conform to a consensus opinion, often at the expense of critical thinking.

The bystander effect occurs because individuals are less likely to help when others are present, assuming someone else will intervene.

Cognitive dissonance results in individuals changing their beliefs or behaviors to reduce the discomfort of holding conflicting views.

The halo effect occurs when a positive trait influences the perception of other traits, leading to an overall favorable judgment.

Prosocial behavior refers to actions intended to benefit others, such as helping someone in need.

Normative social influence leads individuals to conform to group norms to be accepted by others.

The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics in explaining others' behavior.

Social identity theory emphasizes how an individual's self-concept is shaped by their membership in various social groups.

Scapegoating involves blaming an individual or group for problems, often to deflect responsibility from oneself.

Deindividuation occurs when individuals lose self-awareness in groups, often resulting in impulsive or deviant behavior.

Social proof is the phenomenon where individuals look to others' behaviors to inform their own actions, especially in uncertain situations.

Empathy fosters social connections by enabling individuals to understand and share the feelings of others.

Group polarization leads to more extreme positions among group members than those initially held individually.

Reactance describes the psychological response to threats against personal freedoms, often resulting in contrary behavior.

While stereotypes often lead to bias, they can sometimes reflect a kernel of truth, although they are generally oversimplified.

The bystander effect is influenced by the diffusion of responsibility, where individuals feel less compelled to help when others are present.

Attribution theory focuses on how individuals explain the causes of their own and others' behaviors, typically through internal or external attributions.

Cognitive biases distort perceptions and judgments, leading to flawed decision-making processes.

The contact hypothesis suggests that positive interactions between groups can reduce prejudice and improve relationships.

Social facilitation refers to improved performance on simple or well-learned tasks when in the presence of others.

Social norms influence behavior by establishing accepted standards for how individuals should act in various contexts.

The halo effect can lead to biases in evaluating traits unrelated to the initially perceived positive characteristic.

Groupthink arises from a desire for group harmony, often leading to poor decision-making and conformity.

Altruism is characterized by selfless concern for others, such as volunteering without expecting anything in return.

Social categorization simplifies perceptions of others by grouping them based on shared characteristics, which can lead to bias.

The mere exposure effect indicates that repeated exposure to something increases an individual's preference for it.

Emotional contagion refers to the phenomenon where individuals unconsciously mimic and share the emotions of those around them.

Social comparison theory posits that individuals assess their own worth by comparing themselves to others.

Media can influence social behavior by normalizing harmful behaviors or attitudes through repeated exposure.

Implicit attitudes are automatic and often unconscious preferences or biases that can influence behavior without awareness.

Effective bystander intervention often requires individuals to feel personal responsibility to act in a situation where help is needed.

Authority figures can compel obedience by instilling a sense of duty or fear of repercussions for non-compliance.

In-group bias results in favoritism towards members of one's own group, often leading to discrimination against out-group members.

In conflict situations, social identity often leads individuals to prioritize their group affiliation over broader societal concerns.

Self-fulfilling prophecies occur when expectations about a person lead to behaviors that confirm those expectations.

Social influence involves the ways in which individuals change their behavior based on the presence and actions of others.