Ch. 1 Social Psychology

Question 1

social psychology is…

Answer 1

The scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others.

Question 2

A ‘Science’ refers to…

Answer 2

A set of methods used to systematically examine the world around us.

A Science adheres to 4 core values:

• Accuracy
• Objectivity
• Skepticism
• Open-mindedness

Question 3

We cannot rely on introspection about ___, or common sense to ___, becuase____.

Answer 3

We cannot rely on introspection about the influences on us, or common sense to solve the mysteries of human behavior because of our biases and tendencies we’re prone to.

Question 4

Mediating Variables

Answer 4

A variable that is affected by an independent variable which then influences the dependent variable.

They are variables that explain why or how specific variables influence social thought or behavior.

Question 5

Confounding Variables

Answer 5

Factors other than the independent variable that may cause the observed relationship on the dependent variable. (aka third variables).

Variables that the researcher failed to control, or eliminate, damaging the internal validity of an experiment.

Question 6

Moderators

Answer 6

Factors that are treated as an independent variable and can change the size or even the direction of a relationship between two variables.

By comparing an effect or strength of relationship under different conditions, knowledge of how and when effects emerge is gained.

Question 7

Meta-Analysis

Answer 7

A Statistical technique which permits the assessment of how well research findings replicate - despite variations in how studies were conducted.

Question 8

Evaluate the diverse topics social psych seeks to understand.

Answer 8

1. Social Psych focuses on the behavior of Individuals:
   > They examine How
   
   • Groups influence behavior
   • Culture becomes internalized and affects preference
   • Emotions and moods affect decisions.
2. Social Psych seeks to understand the causes of social behavior.
   > Most factors fall under 4 Major Headings:
   
   • Actions and Characteristics of others
   • Cognitive processes
   • Environmental variables
   • Biological factors
3. Social Psych seeks to identify basic principles that are accurate across time and cultures.

Question 9

Examine major avenues that social psych is currently exploring.

Answer 9

• Cognition and Behaviour:
  > what we think about others influences our actions towards them; the consequences of these actions then affects our emotions and social thought.
• Role of Emotion:
  > affective states influence what we notice, how we interpret, and what we recall.
• Role of implicit Processes:
  > schemas, prototypes, and attitudes often automatically influence our judgments.
• Social Relationships:
  > how group membership affects our identity, self-esteem, cognitive processes, affective responses, and overt behavior.
• Social Diversity:
  > multicultural perspective - focuses on ethnic factors and other social dimensions.
• Neuroscience:
  > complex systems involved in key aspects.

Question 10

Explore methods used to study topics of Social Psych.

Answer 10

Naturalistic Observations:
- systematic observations unobtrusively made without researcher intervention.

Servey’s:
- self-reports of participants attitudes and behaviors.

Correlational research:
- variables are measured to determine the extent of their relationship.

Experimentation:

• systematically varying of the Independent variable and observing andy possible changes in the dependent variable.
• random assignment and control are necessary.
• raises Q’s about external validity.

Question 11

Explain the role of theories.

Answer 11

Theories are frameworks for organizing and explaining events and processes, and allow us to make predictions about future events.

Hypotheses are logically derived from theories and tested through research.
> if the hypothesis is confirmed = theory is strengthened.
> if the hypothesis is disconfirmed = theory is weakened.
&raquo_space; theory is either modified or rejected.

Question 12

How is the dilemma of deception addressed?

Answer 12

Research proposals are sent to the Research Ethics Board where they undergo evaluations ensuring the welfare of its participants.

Deception is only to be used:

• if absolutely necessary
• if informed consent is granted
• if a debriefing protocol is in place

Deception involves withholding or concealing information.
> deception can be:
&raquo_space; Passive: where the true purpose is not revealed, or
&raquo_space; Misleading: where misguiding information is given about some aspect of the study.