Chapter 2-The USE of theory in applied social psychology Flashcards
The three primary functions of theories in applied social psychology
USE
- Understanding
- Solution
- Evaluation
Knowledge-deficit model
Social programmes are under-utilized because individuals lack knowledge about the programme or behavior.
Action research model-the four steps
- Re-analyzing the situation
- Refining the intervention
- Implementing it
- Reassessing the situation and the relevance of the used theories.
What is a hypothesis?
Testable prediction derived from a theory
What is a model?
Framework that integrate theories and plinciples
Rational choice theory
Individuals are motivated to in ways that promote their self-interests
Attribution theory
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
Fundamental attribution error
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
What is an attitude?
A person’s evaluation of an object/person/idea
Knowledge-deficit-model (connected to attitude)
If you give people information that will change their attitude, their behavior will change as well.
Cognitive dissonance theory (Festinger) and the three different steps you could take to get rid of the dissonance
The relationship between a person’s attitude, beliefs, and behavior.
- Change the attitude
- Change the behavior
- Add new cognitions: Justifying their behavior
Theory of planned behavior (Ajzen and Fishbein)
The best predictor of an individual’s behavior is her/his intention to act.
- How is the attitude? Pos/Neg?
- Subjective norms: What other people think he/she should do
- Perceived behavioral control: To which extent the behavior is achievable according to the person
Elaboration likelihood model: Persuasion
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
What are boundary conditions?
Conditions that distinguish if a theory should be applied or not.
What is compliance?
The act of changing behaviour following a direct request.
What is conformity?
The act of changing behaviour to be consistent with a real or imagined social expectation.
What is contact theory?
The theory that bringing members of conflicting groups together will reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations.
What is deindividuation?
The loss of self-awareness and loosening of everyday moral constraints on behaviour, often brought by anonymity.
What is the dual concern model?
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.
What is the social impact theory?
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.
