An Introduction to the Science of Social Psychology Flashcards
Attitude
A way of thinking or feeling about a target that is often reflected in a person’s behavior. Examples of attitude targets are individuals, concepts, and groups.
Attraction
The psychological process of being sexually interested in another person. This can include, for exmaple, physical attraction, first impression, and dating rituals.
Blind to the research hypothesis
When participants in research are not aware of what is being studied.
Conformity
Changing one’s attitude or behavior to match a perceived social norm.
Culture of honor
A culture in which personal or family reputation is especially important.
Discrimination
Discrimination is behavior that advantages or disadvantages people merely based on their group membership.
Fundamental attribution error
The tendency to emphasize another person’s personality traits when describing that person’s motives and behaviors and overlooking the influence of situational factors.
Hypothesis
A possible explanation that can be tested through research.
Levels of analysis
Complementary views for analyzing and understanding a phenomenon.
Need to belong
A strong natural impulse in humans to form social connections and to be accepted by others.
Obedience
Responding to an order or command from a person in a position of authority.
Observational learning
Learning by observing the behavior of others.
Prejudice
An evaluation or emotion toward people based merely on their group membership.
Reciprocity
The act of exchanging goods or services. By giving a person a gift, the principle of reciprocity can be used to influence others; they then feel obligated to give back.
Research confederate
A person working with a researcher, posing as a research participant or as a bystander.
Research participant
A person being studied as part of a research program.
Social attribution
The way a person explains the motives or behaviors of others.
Social cognition
The way people process and apply information about others.
Social influence
When one person causes a change in attitude or behavior in another person, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Social psychology
The branch of psychological science that is mainly concerned with understanding how the presence of others affects our thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Stereotyping
A mental process of using information shortcuts about a group to effectively navigate social situations or make decisions.
Stigmatized group
A group that suffers from social disapproval based on some characteristic that sets them apart from the majority.
