Lecture 11: Social Psychology Flashcards
Social Psychology
scientifically studying how we think about influence and relate to one another
First Impressions are generally based on:
a.) Physical Appearance
b.) Non-verbal Expressiveness
We tend to view people who are more physically attractive in a more favorable light, and we also see them as more competent
Prejudice
and prejudice vs discrimination
Refers to unjustifiable attitudes towards a group
(usually negative attitude toward a group that usually differs from ones own group)
Includes beliefs, emotions, and predispositions
toward actions.
Prejudice is a negative attitude, whereas discrimination is a negative behavior
ONE LEADS TO THE OTHER
Generalized beliefs about a group of people
They create biases in our perceptions. While some stereotypes can be accurate most are usually over generalized and applied more than they should be.
Stereotypes
Illusionary correlation
Perceived but non-existent correlation
We see what we expect to see. We look to confirm
what we expected to see because of our stereotypes.
We also over estimate the extent we see it
(Believe there is a relation between things, we are likely to identify instances that confirm our beliefs )
Tend to ignore the fact that instances are random coincidences and rather see them as correlating.
In-Group vs Out-Group
Through our social identities, we associate ourselves with some groups and contrast ourselves with others
–> this group identification typically leads to in-group bias or a favoring of ones own group
ex: everyone wearing batman costumes and you wearing Spiderman
Dividing the world into an US vs THEM helps us feel a sense of communal solidarity
Attribution: Behaviors —> _________ __________ & —>___________ ___________
1.) Internal Dispositions
2.) External Situations
When you see someones behavior you will assume one of two things:
1.) or 2.)
Internal Dispositions: crediting the persons disposition based on personality/ who they are
External Situations: Crediting a persons behavior based on outside context–having a hard day in order to be acting in that manner
Fundamental Attribution Error
Overestimating the influence of internal attributions and underestimating the influence of external situations.
Attractive people are:
- Perceived as being healthier, happier, more sensitive, more successful, and as having better social skills.
- Not seen as more compassionate or honest.
- More likely to enjoy occupational success.
Three primary factors that influence attraction between persons:
1.) Physical Attractiveness
2.) Similarity
3.) Reciprocity
Beauty is in the eye of _______
Attractiveness also depends on our _________ _____ __ ______
Culture
- Beauty standards reflect the context we are in
————
feelings for a person
Similarity
- We tend to be attracted to those who are similar to us.
- Friends and couples tend to share common attitudes, beliefs and interests.
- Similarity breeds content; dissimilarity often fosters disfavor.
–> The more alike people are the more likely their relationship is to last
Reciprocity
- We like people who show us they like us.
- We tend to see others as liking us more if we like them.
Attitudes (define, list the three components, describe relationship to behavior)
feelings, often influenced by our beliefs, that predispose our reactions to objects, people, and events
1.) Cognitive Component (what we believe)
2.) Affective Component (what we feel)
3.) Behavioral Component (how we act and react)
Attitudes predict our behaviors and our actions fuel our attitudes
(degree in attitudes is contingent on strength of attitude and assumptions on how we are expected to behave in certain situations)
when our attitudes and actions do not coincide, we experience (UNCOMFORTABLE!)
Cognitive Dissonance
