Lecture 9: behaviour in a social context Flashcards

Question

Stereotypes, Stereotype Threat, and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Answer 1

- Stereotypes and Confirmation Bias - Lazy Brain Phenomenon - Stereotype Threat - Categorization and Judgment - Stereotype Maintenance - Challenges of Suppressing Stereotypes - Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Answer 2

1. Stereotypes are preconceived beliefs about a group of people based on their characteristics. 2. People tend to favor information confirming existing stereotypes and dismiss contradicting data. ■ Example ● If a stereotype suggests women are bad drivers, individuals may ignore instances where women excel in driving.

Answer 3

○ The inherent laziness of the brain leads to relying on stereotypes rather than making effortful judgments. ■ Confirmation bias contributes to the inclination to grasp instances that confirm stereotypes. ○ Individuals might stereotype based on a few instances without considering a broader perspective.

Answer 4

○ Stereotype threat occurs when individuals conform to negative stereotypes after becoming aware of them. ○ Awareness of a negative stereotype can influence individuals to conform to it subconsciously. ■ Example ● Women perform slightly less well on a math test when their gender is highlighted due to the stereotype that women are bad at math.

Answer 5

○ Initial categorization involves making snap judgments based on observable characteristics. ■ Deciding to understand an individual depends on their perceived importance in a given context. ○ If a person is significant, one may invest more time and energy in understanding them; otherwise, stereotypes may persist.

Answer 6

○ Stereotypes can be maintained through various cognitive processes, such as the exact opposite action reinforcing the stereotype. ■ Actions contrary to a stereotype may not necessarily challenge it; they might inadvertently strengthen it. ○ Engaging in negative behaviors to defy a stereotype may, ironically, confirm it instead.

Answer 7

- ironic monitoring. - lead to a rebound effect, increasing the prominence of the stereotype. - telling urself not to think about a stereotype can make u think of it more

Answer 8

○ Expectations about someone can lead to behaviors from original expectation. ○ Acting based on other ppls notions can influence others to fulfill those expectations ■ Example ● A teacher labeling a student as "bad" may result in the student behaving poorly, confirming the teacher's initial perception.

Answer 9

● categorizing stereotypes involves a flow chart considering factors like willingness to understand and available time and energy. ● Individuals go through a mental process of deciding whether to invest effort in understanding others based on the situation.

Answer 10

○ Attitude refers to the positive or negative evaluation ○ Attitudes have a reciprocal relationship with behavior, influencing each other. ■ Example

Answer 11

○ conflict between attitudes and behavior. ○ Individuals strive for consistency in their attitudes and behavior to avoid discomfort. ■ Example ● A self-proclaimed Raptors fan who doesn't engage with the team may experience cognitive dissonance.

Answer 12

○ This suggests people infer their attitudes based on observed behavior. ○ Behavior can shape one's understanding and beliefs about their own attitudes. ■ Example ● Someone acting as a Raptors fan may eventually accept the label based on their consistent behaviors.

Answer 13

○ Social dynamics, conformity, and external pressures can shape attitudes and behaviors. ○ Group influences may lead individuals to adopt attitudes inconsistent with their personal beliefs

Answer 14

○ Strong situational factors, like financial incentives, can override personal attitudes. ■ Example ● A person might express disdain for a sports team but support them if offered a significant financial incentive.

Answer 15

○ Murphy's Law is linked to confirmation bias, emphasizing negative expectations leading to negative outcomes. ■ Expecting negative interactions can create a self-fulfilling prophecy unless consciously countered.

Answer 16

○ Attitude is an overall positive or negative evaluation of something. ■ Attitudes need not be negative; positivity can lead to favorable outcomes. ○ Believing in people's awesomeness can result in reciprocal positive behaviors, fostering a positive cycle. ● Consistency in behavior and attitudes mitigates cognitive dissonance. ● Positive attitudes can cultivate positive behaviors and interactions.

Answer 17

○ occurs when one's self-view is threatened, leading to psychological discomfort. ○ When faced with conflicting information about oneself, a person may experience cognitive dissonance.

Answer 18

○ Persuasion involves a communicator delivering a message through a channel to an audience. ○ Elements in persuasion include the communicator's credibility, the content of the message, the communication channel, the target audience, and the context in which the message is delivered. ■ Example ● A lecturer delivering a compelling message to students in a classroom setting represents a persuasion dynamic .

Answer 19

○ Credibility is influenced by expertise, trustworthiness, and the ability to deliver unbiased information. ○ Credentials and tangible examples of work contribute to the communicator's credibility, fostering trust and engagement. ■ Example ● A professor with extensive experience and relevant credentials is more likely to be perceived as credible.

Answer 20

○ Strategy ■ Effectiveness increases by presenting both sides of an argument and refuting the opposing view. ■ Acknowledging opposing arguments demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and engages the audience in constructive dialogue. ● Example ○ A debater presenting counter arguments to strengthen their own position. ○ Incremental Persuasion

Answer 21

○ Strategy ■ Inducing mild fear followed by presenting a solution. ■ Controlled fear can capture attention and motivate action, especially when accompanied by a reassuring solution. ● Example ○ Advertising or political campaigns highlight potential issues and provide solutions to alleviate concerns

Answer 22

○ The central route involves careful consideration; the peripheral route relies on non-substantive factors. ■ Central route persuasion requires thoughtful analysis, while the peripheral route relies on emotional appeals and other surface-level factors. ○ Engaging in a detailed discussion on a topic (central route) versus relying on emotional appeals and likability (peripheral route).

Answer 23

○ The mere presence of others influences individual performance. ○ The mere presence of an audience can significantly impact an individual's performance, leading to improvement or decline. ■ Example ● Running faster in a race when being watched by others

Answer 24

○ Physical Attraction, Likability, and Similarity ■ Physical attractiveness, likability, and similarity to the audience enhance persuasiveness. ■ Evolutionary factors play a role, as people are naturally inclined to pay attention to those who share similar traits. ● Example ○ A speaker who is relatable and likable is more likely to influence the audience.

Answer 25

○ Strategy ■ Gradually introducing ideas differing from the audience's current beliefs. ■ Incremental persuasion involves taking small steps toward changing the audience's perspective, making the transition more acceptable. ● Example ○ Convincing someone to reconsider their stance on a topic through gradual, thoughtful discussion.

Answer 26

● Social Facilitation ● Social Barriers, Norms, and Roles

Answer 27

○ The intricate phenomenon where the mere presence of others significantly influences an individual's physiological and psychological arousal. ■ Enhancing or diminishing their performance based on their dominant response.