09_The Social Environment

Question 1

Field Theory (Lewin):

Overview

Answer 1

Behavior is a function of the person and their social environment

B = f (P,E)

Question 2

Field Theory (Lewin):

4 types of intra-individual conflicts

Answer 2

Approach-approach

Avoidance-avoidance

Approach-avoidance

Double approach-avoidance

Question 3

Field Theory (Lewin):

Approach-approach conflict

Answer 3

Choice between two equally positive or attractive goals

Easiest conflict to resolve

Question 4

Field Theory (Lewin):

Avoidance-avoidance Conflict

Answer 4

Choice between 2 equally negative / unattractive goals

Leads to indecision, inaction, or removing oneself from the situation

Difficult to resolve

Question 5

Field Theory (Lewin):

Approach-Avoidance Conflict

Answer 5

When goal has both positive and negative qualities

Avoidance gets stronger as one gets closer to the goal

Approach gets stronger as one moves further away from the goal

Question 6

Field Theory (Lewin):

Double Approach-Avoidance

Answer 6

Most difficult conflict to resolve

Choice between two goals that both have positive and negative qualities

Produces vacillation between two alternatives

Question 7

3 Factors of the ambient environment that can influence behavior

Answer 7

Air pollution

High temperatures

Noxious or Excessive noise

Question 8

Effects of air pollution

Answer 8

Adverse effects on health

Decreased cognitive performance

Decreased sensitivity to social cues

Question 9

Effects of High Temperatures

Answer 9

Frustration

Aggressiveness

Risky decisions

Question 10

Effects of Noxious or Excessive Noise

Answer 10

Stress and irritability

Impaired concentration

Increased aggressiveness
*especially whenalready angry or annoyed

Question 11

Factor that Reduces the negative effects of Noise

Answer 11

Perceived Control

When people believe they can stop/control the noise, even when they do not actually do so

Question 12

Effects of Crowding on Task Performance

Answer 12

Simple tasks: No Effect

Complex tasks: Impaired performance

Question 13

Effects of crowding (high residential density)

Answer 13

Physical and mental health problems

Poor academic performance

Juvenile delinquency

Higher mortality rates

Question 14

Situations where crowding/high density is preferred

Answer 14

Sporting events

Rock concerts

Question 15

Effects on crowding on affect/attention

Answer 15

People are more likely to laugh in high-density environments

People feel less crowded when watching an engaging film vs a boring one

People also report increased enjoyment of action film when theater is crowded

Question 16

Factors that contribute to the effects of Crowding

Answer 16

Perception of control

Density intensity hypothesis

Personal need for space

Question 17

Density Intensity Hypothesis

Answer 17

Crowds enhances positive experiences

Crowds makes unpleasant situations even more unpleasant

Question 18

Personal space:

Gender differences

Answer 18

Men require more personal space

May explain why men tend to be more sensitive to and stressed by high density situations, and increased aggressiveness

Question 19

Crowding:

Dormitory Studies

Answer 19

Women exhibited more distress in crowded dormitory rooms due to less effective coping mechanisms

Men tend to leave, while women increase their levels of interaction

Question 20

When does Crowding create more distress in men:

laboratory studies or dormitory studies?

Answer 20

Laboratory studies

In laboratory studies, leaving the crowded situation is not an option