Chapter 6 Flashcards
attribution theory
a theory that attempts to determine the cause of the behavior. Two major dimensions are internal-external and stable-unstable
fundamental attribution error
the tendency to overestimate dispositional (internal-stable) causes of behavior and to underestimate external causes of behaviors
ultimate attribution error
the tendency to ascribe the cause of a behavior to dispositional characteristics of the group rather than to an individual member
stereotype
all of these:
1) a generalization about a group or its members based on their categorization
2) can be an accurate reflection of a group’s norm
3) can be an overgeneralization, applying the norm to every member of the group or not allowing for variation about this norm
4) can be simply inaccurate
5) is considered the cognitive component of categorization
prejudice
all of these:
1) a negative judgement about a group or its members based on categorization
2) is considered evaluative component of categorization
discrimination
all of these:
1) a negative behavior toward a group or its members based on categorization
2) is considered behavior component of categorization
racism
all of these:
1) discriminatory behavior that is backed by institutional power
2) is considered the institutional component of categorization
stereotype threat
a fear that one will confirm the negative stereotype of a group to which one belongs in an area in which the individual excels
illusory correlation
an overestimation of the co-occurrence of two minority events
heuristic
is a mental shortcut or rule of thumb used for making calculations or assessments of sometimes complex circumstances.
availability heuristic
a mental shortcut whereby the importance, frequency, or credence of something is exaggerated because it comes to mind easily.
At least two ways in which stereotypes are developed
Benign: illusory correlation; Malicious: cognitive dissonance theory
cognitive dissonance theory
when two cognitions are in conflict, a person will be motivated to change one of them to reduce the unsettled feelings caused by the discrepancy
overt racism
discriminatory behavior in which people in the majority engage in open, hostile acts of aggression against racial minorities consciously and unapologetically
covert, intentional racism
discriminatory behavior that is intentional but is covered up so that one can deny his or her racism