Cursuri Flashcards
What are the two sub-theories within Social Representation Theory, and how do they differ?
Wind-Rose Model: Emphasizes multi-dimensional influences from cultural, political, and historical contexts.
Central Node Theory: Proposes that some ideas act as central nodes, structuring the rest of the representation.
What are the two key hypotheses of TMT, and how do they function?
Anxiety Buffer Hypothesis: Cultural worldviews and self-esteem mitigate existential anxiety.
Mortality Salience Hypothesis: Reminders of death lead to stronger adherence to cultural beliefs.
How does self-construal differ between individualistic and collectivistic societies?
Individualistic: Self is defined independently of social roles.
Collectivistic: Self is embedded in relationships and group identity.
Emotion-as-Information Theory
How do emotions act as heuristics in decision-making?
They serve as cognitive shortcuts, where positive emotions promote risk-taking, and negative emotions encourage caution.
Cognitive Asymmetry Theory
🔹 Question: What is negativity bias, and why does it occur?
People are more likely to remember and react to negative information because it has greater survival relevance.
Cognitive Congruence Theory
🔹 Question: How does cognitive congruence theory relate to confirmation bias?
Answer: People seek and accept information that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing pre-existing attitudes.
Naïve/Implicit Theories of Personality
🔹 Question: Differentiate between entity theory and incremental theory.
Answer:
Entity Theory: Traits are fixed and unchangeable.
Incremental Theory: Traits are malleable and can change with effort
Attitude Formation Theories
🔹 Question: Name and describe the three mechanisms through which attitudes are formed.
Answer:
Classical Conditioning – Associating stimuli with emotions.
Operant Conditioning – Reinforcement strengthens attitudes.
Social Learning – Observing and modeling others’ attitudes.
Implicit Social Cognitions Theory
🔹 Question: How do implicit biases differ from explicit attitudes?
Answer: Implicit biases operate unconsciously, while explicit attitudes are consciously held.
Social Cognitive Schemas Theory
🔹 Question: What are schemas, and how do they influence perception?
Answer: Schemas are cognitive frameworks that shape how we interpret social information, leading to biases and stereotypes.
Dual-Process Models of Information Processing
🔹 Question: What distinguishes System 1 from System 2 thinking?
Answer:
System 1: Fast, automatic, heuristic-based.
System 2: Slow, deliberate, analytical.
Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
🔹 Question: What are the three components of TPB, and how do they predict behavior?
Answer:
Attitude – Personal evaluation of the behavior.
Subjective Norms – Perceived social expectations.
Perceived Behavioral Control – Belief in one’s ability to perform the behavior.
ognitive Balance Theory
Q: According to Heider’s Cognitive Balance Theory, what are two ways a person can resolve an imbalanced triad?
They can change their attitude toward the object/person or adjust the relationship between the other two elements.
Social Field Theory
Q: In Lewin’s Social Field Theory, what is the primary factor determining an individual’s behavior at a given moment?
The dynamic interaction of forces within their life space, including psychological, environmental, and social influences.
Theory of Planned Change
Q: What are the three stages of Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change?
Unfreezing (recognizing need for change), Changing (implementing new behaviors), and Refreezing (stabilizing the change).
Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Q: A person believes in a healthy lifestyle but frequently eats fast food. According to Festinger’s Cognitive Dissonance Theory, what are two possible ways they can reduce dissonance?
They can change their behavior (eat healthier) or justify their actions (“I exercise enough to balance it out”).
Radial Network Model of Stereotypes
Q: In the Radial Network Model of Stereotypes, what is the distinction between central traits and peripheral traits?
Central traits define the core stereotype, while peripheral traits vary based on individual perception and context.
Gender Role Theory
Q: According to Eagly’s Gender Role Theory, why are women often perceived as less competent in leadership positions?
Because leadership traits (assertiveness, dominance) contradict traditional feminine stereotypes (nurturing, communal).
Dynamic Stereotypes Theory
Q: How does Dynamic Stereotypes Theory explain changing perceptions of women in the workforce?
As more women enter traditionally male-dominated fields, societal stereotypes adapt to reflect their growing representation.
ction-Centered Models of Cognitive Dissonance
Q: How does the Action-Centered Model of Cognitive Dissonance differ from Festinger’s original theory?
It emphasizes motivational action in resolving dissonance, not just attitude change.
Integrated Threat Theory of Stereotypes
Q: What are the four types of perceived threats in Integrated Threat Theory?
Realistic threats, symbolic threats, intergroup anxiety, and negative stereotypes.
Correspondent Inference Theory
Q: According to Correspondent Inference Theory, under what condition are people most likely to attribute behavior to personality rather than situational factors?
When the behavior is unexpected or socially deviant.
Covariation Theory
Q: Kelley’s Covariation Theory suggests we determine causality based on what three factors?
Consensus (do others act similarly?), distinctiveness (is the behavior unique?), and consistency (does it happen repeatedly?).
Causal Attribution Theory (Naïve Scientist Model)
Q: Heider’s Naïve Scientist Model suggests that people prefer internal attributions for others’ failures. What is this bias called?
The Fundamental Attribution Error—assuming failures are due to personality rather than external circumstances.
