Chapter 14 - Social Psychology Flashcards
What is the fundamental attribution error? Give an example.
The tendency for observers, when analyzing others’ behaviour, to underestimate the impact of the situation and to overestimate the impact of the personal disposition.
Example, judging someone’s excuse for being late even though I am late as well.
What is the foot in the door phenomenon? give an example.
A technique where small requests are made first in order to get the person to agree to a bigger request.
E.g, requesting small amount of money at first, then asking for lots of money later.
What is a role? give examples.
A set of expectations (norms) about a social portion, defining how those should behave.
Example, If I’m a boss, my role would be to act in a formal way.
What is peripheral route persuasion? Give an example.
The process where attitudes or behaviours change because of a peripheral cue.
Example, a popular celebrity on a TV ad persuading the watchers to buy something.
What is central route persuasion? Give an example.
Occurs when interested people focus on the arguments and respond with favourable thoughts. Example, the use of facts, or details to persuade someone.
What is the cognitive dissonance theory? give an example.
A feeling of mental discomfort leads to an altercation in one of the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviours to reduce the discomfort and restore balance. For example, the feeling of discomfort using plastic bags because they are bad for the environment.
Celebrity endorsements in advertising often lead consumers to purchase products through _____ route persuasion.
Peripheral
We tend to agree to a larger request more readily if we have already agreed to a small request. This tendency is called the ____________?
Foot in the door phenomenon
Jamal’s therapist has suggested that Jamal should “act as if” he is confident, even though he feels insecure and shy. Which social psychological theory would best support this suggestion?
Cognitive dissonance theory.
What is conformity? Give an example.
Conformity is the process of adjusting one’s behavior or thoughts to coincide with a group standard.
For example, going to work dressed like your colleagues to fit in.
What is social contagion?
The spread of behaviour, and attitudes.
For example, laughing because someone else is laughing, or yawning because that person yawns.
What is normative social influence? Give an example.
An influence resulting from a person’s desire to gain approval or disapproval. For example, a person may feel pressured to smoke because their friends are.
What is informational social influence? Give an example.
An influence resulting from one’s willingness to accept others’ opinions about reality.
For example, looking at what others are doing to gain an understanding of what you should do.
What is an example of social facilitation?
A musician performs better because he is energized by the crowd. Or finding you do better work if you go to the library than if you stay at home to study. Social facilitation can also create poorer performances with hard tasks.
What is home-team advantage? Give an example.
When others observe us, we perform well-learned tasks more quickly and accurately.
