Chapter 2-The USE of theory in applied social psychology

Question 1

The three primary functions of theories in applied social psychology

Answer 1

USE

• Understanding
• Solution
• Evaluation

Question 2

Knowledge-deficit model

Answer 2

Social programmes are under-utilized because individuals lack knowledge about the programme or behavior.

Question 3

Action research model-the four steps

Answer 3

1. Re-analyzing the situation
2. Refining the intervention
3. Implementing it
4. Reassessing the situation and the relevance of the used theories.

Question 4

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 4

Testable prediction derived from a theory

Question 5

What is a model?

Answer 5

Framework that integrate theories and plinciples

Question 6

Rational choice theory

Answer 6

Individuals are motivated to in ways that promote their self-interests

Question 7

Attribution theory

Answer 7

We are naive scientists who are trying to explain our own and other’s behaviors.
Own poor behavior-External causes
Other’s poor behavior-Internal causes

Question 8

Fundamental attribution error

Answer 8

Opposite attribution pattern.
Own behavior: Drives my car–The train is usually late (external thoughts)
Other’s behavior: Drives their car–They are just lazy ( internal thoughts)
This helps people understand and interpret situations

Question 9

What is an attitude?

Answer 9

A person’s evaluation of an object/person/idea

Question 10

Knowledge-deficit-model (connected to attitude)

Answer 10

If you give people information that will change their attitude, their behavior will change as well.

Question 11

Cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger) and the three different steps you could take to get rid of the dissonance

Answer 11

The relationship between a person’s attitude, beliefs, and behavior.

1. Change the attitude
2. Change the behavior
3. Add new cognitions: Justifying their behavior

Question 12

Theory of planned behavior (Ajzen and Fishbein)

Answer 12

The best predictor of an individual’s behavior is her/his intention to act.

1. How is the attitude? Pos/Neg?
2. Subjective norms: What other people think he/she should do
3. Perceived behavioral control: To which extent the behavior is achievable according to the person

Question 13

Elaboration likelihood model: Persuasion

Answer 13

Central route and peripheral route
C: Persuasion is reached through arguments, elaboration of the message and strong long lasting and relevant to the person.
P: Superficial information (cues), not as conscious as central route, weak, temporary and easily changeable

Question 14

What are boundary conditions?

Answer 14

Conditions that distinguish if a theory should be applied or not.

Question 15

What is compliance?

Answer 15

The act of changing behaviour following a direct request.

Question 16

What is conformity?

Answer 16

The act of changing behaviour to be consistent with a real or imagined social expectation.

Question 17

What is contact theory?

Answer 17

The theory that bringing members of conflicting groups together will reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations.

Question 18

What is deindividuation?

Answer 18

The loss of self-awareness and loosening of everyday moral constraints on behaviour, often brought by anonymity.

Question 19

What is the dual concern model?

Answer 19

A strategic choice model that predicts when a person will yield, choose inaction, content(d?), or problem-solve in response to a conflict of interest.

Question 20

What is the social impact theory?

Answer 20

The amount of influence others have in a given situation is a function of the number of people present, the strength or importance of the people, and the immediacy or closeness of the target person to the influencing agents.