Chapter 12: Social Psychology Flashcards
social brain hypothesis
the size of a primate species’ standard social group is related to the volume of that species’
neocortex
ingroups
Those groups to which particular people belong
outgroups
those groups to which particular people do not belong
reciprocity
people treat others as others treat them (In other words, if you scratch my back, I will scratch yours)
transitivity
people generally share their friends’ opinions of other people
outgroup homogeneity effect
people tend to view outgroup members as less varied than ingroup members
social identity theory
people not only identify with certain groups but also value those groups and in doing so experience pride through their group membership
Ingroup favoritism
The tendency for people to evaluate favorably and privilege members of the ingroup more than members of the outgroup. (People show ingroup favoritism even when the groups are arbitrary)
minimal group paradigm
a method for investigating the minimal conditions required for discrimination to occur between groups
risky-shift effect
Groups often make riskier decisions than individuals do
group polarization
The process by which initial attitudes of groups become more extreme over
time
groupthink
The tendency of a group to make a bad decision as a result of preserving the
group and maintaining its cohesiveness; especially likely when the group is
under intense pressure, is facing external threats, and is biased in a particular
direction
social facilitation
The idea that the presence of others generally enhances performance.
Zajonc’s Model of Social Facilitation
According to this model, the mere presence of others leads to increased
arousal. The arousal favors the dominant response (the response most likely
to be performed in the situation). If the required response is easy or well
learned, performance is enhanced. If the required response is novel or not
well learned, performance suffers (from the presence of others).
social loafing
The tendency for people to work less hard in a group than when working alone.
deindividuation
A state of reduced individuality, reduced self-awareness, and reduced attention to personal standards; this phenomenon may occur when people are part of a group.
conformity
The altering of one’s behaviors and opinions to match those of other people or to match other people’s expectations.
normative influence
The tendency for people to conform in order to fit in with the group.
informational influence
The tendency for people to conform when they assume that the behavior of others represents the correct way to respond.
social norms
Expected standards of conduct that influence behavior.
obedience
Following the orders of a person of authority.
aggresion
Any behavior that involves the intention to harm another
aggresion may be caused by:
Sitiational factors, like heat leading to negative emotions
Biological factors, like testosterone, serotonin, MAOA gene
Social and Cultural factors, like shift in expectations and beliefs, cultures of honor
Reducing Outgroup Bias:
Shared superordinate goals—goals that require people to cooperate—reduce hostility between groups (study by Muzafer Sherif on boys on summer camp (1961))
prosocial behaviors
Actions that benefit others, such as doing favors or helping.