Chapter 4: Social Cognition

Question 1

Introduction to Social Cognition

Answer 1

• Discusses the role of social cognition in shaping perceptions, beliefs, and memories.
• Emphasizes the impact of judgments on relationships and happiness.

Question 2

First Impressions

Answer 2

• Emphasizes the influence of first impressions on judgments.
• Studies indicate persistence of initial perceptions over time.

Question 3

Snap Judgments and Primacy Effects

Answer 3

• Snap judgments form rapidly and include assessments of anger, attractiveness, and trustworthiness.
• Primacy effects give special weight to the first information received, shaping overall impressions.

Question 4

Confirmation Bias and Overconfidence

Answer 4

• Introduction of confirmation bias and overconfidence in judgments.
• A study on HIV risk estimation illustrates the persistence of overconfidence in relationships.

Question 5

Relationship Dynamics and Judgments

Answer 5

• Existing beliefs continue to influence perceptions at every relationship stage.
• Study: Parents and roommates make more accurate predictions about dating relationships than individuals involved.

Question 6

Implications

Answer 6

• Concludes with the impact of perceptions on feelings and behaviors in relationships.
• Encourages critical examination of preconceptions and biases.

Question 7

Idealizing Our Partners

Answer 7

• Individuals seek ideal qualities in romantic relationships.
• Positive illusions involve constructing charitable perceptions for greater satisfaction.

Question 8

Balancing Idealization

Answer 8

• Constructive idealization involves interpreting partner’s qualities kindly.
• Awareness prevents disillusionment, promoting relationship commitment.

Question 9

Attributional Processes

Answer 9

• Attributions explain why events occur, influencing satisfaction.
• Actor/observer effects and self-serving biases play a role.

Question 10

Influence of Attachment Styles

Answer 10

• Attachment styles impact attributions; secure attachment leads to relationship-enhancing attributions.
• Insecurity, particularly fear of abandonment, may lead to pessimistic attributions.

Question 11

Role of Memories

Answer 11

• Reconstructive memory continually revises memories based on current feelings.
• Memories influence future behavior and emotions.

Question 12

Relationship Beliefs

Answer 12

• People bring established beliefs about relationships into partnerships.
• Study by Brian Willoughby on marital paradigms and attitudes toward marriage.

Question 12

Self-Perceptions and Relationships

Answer 12

• Self-concepts encompass self-esteem and beliefs about oneself.
• People seek partners who support their existing self-concepts.

Question 12

Disadvantageous Beliefs

Answer 12

• Identifies dysfunctional beliefs negatively impacting relationship quality.
• Examples include beliefs about disagreements, mindreading, and partner change.

Question 12

Destiny Beliefs vs. Growth Beliefs

Answer 12

• Destiny beliefs view relationships as predetermined, leading to dissatisfaction.
• Growth beliefs posit that relationships develop gradually through effort.

Question 12

Impression Management in Social Life

Answer 12

• Impression management involves consciously or unconsciously controlling information to influence how others perceive individuals.
• Four strategies: ingratiation, self-promotion, intimidation, and supplication.

Question 12

Impact of Media on Beliefs

Answer 12

• Hollywood often portrays destiny beliefs in romantic comedies.
• Growth beliefs, emphasizing hard work, are less commonly depicted.

Question 12

Reasons for Significance

Answer 12

• Impression management is ubiquitous and influences social life.
• Four strategies are ingratiation, self-promotion, intimidation, and supplication.

Question 12

Change in Relationship Beliefs

Answer 12

• Relationship beliefs can change over time based on experiences and education.
• Unrealistic beliefs may lead to distress and disappointment.

Question 13

Perceptions of Others

Answer 13

• Chronic expectations may create social worlds for individuals.
• Rejection sensitivity may lead to obnoxious behavior, while optimism contributes to satisfying relationships.

Question 13

Expectations and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Answer 13

• Self-fulfilling prophecies occur when false predictions become true due to behavior guided by expectations.
• Positive expectations lead to positive outcomes.

Question 14

Strategies of Impression Management

Answer 14

• Four broad strategies: ingratiation, self-promotion, intimidation, and supplication.

Question 15

Impression Management in Close Relationships

Answer 15

• Individuals employ different styles based on self-monitoring traits.
• Accuracy of perceptions is influenced by idealized perceptions and selective attention.

Question 16

Conclusion on Perceptions

Answer 16

• Accuracy in perceptions varies due to motivation and individual differences.
• Impression management plays a crucial role in influencing relationship dynamics and satisfaction.