Module 40: Social Thinking

Question 1

social psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of how we think about, influence, and relate to one another

Question 2

social psychologists

Answer 2

studies the social influences that explain why the same people will act differently in different situations

Question 3

fundamental attribution error

Answer 3

▪ The tendency for observers, when analyzing others’ behavior, to underestimate the impact of the situation
and to overestimate the impact of personal disposition
▪ Is most likely to occur when a stranger acts badly
Is committed by underestimating the influence of the situation and overestimating the effects of stable and enduring traits
▪ Has real-life and social consequences

Question 4

an attribution question

Answer 4

whether we attribute poverty and homelessness to social circumstances or to personal dispositions affects and reflects our political views

Question 5

attitudes

Answer 5

feelings influenced by beliefs, which predispose people to have specific reactions to objects, people, and events
actions can modify attitudes

Question 6

foot-in-the-door phenomenon

Answer 6

The tendency for people who have first agreed to a small request to comply later
with a larger request

Question 7

Role

Answer 7

A set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave

Question 8

attitudes follow behavior

Answer 8

cooperative actions feed mutual liking. such attitudes, in turn, promote positive behavior

Question 9

cognitive dissonance

Answer 9

when attitudes do not fit actions, tensions are often reduced by changing attitudes to match actions
▪ We act to reduce the discomfort (dissonance) we feel when two of our thoughts (cognitions) clash.
▪ Brain regions become active when people experience cognitive dissonance.
▪ Through cognitive dissonance, we often bring attitudes into line with our actions (Festinger).

Question 10

peripheral route persuasion

Answer 10

occurs when people are influenced by incidental cues, such as a speaker’s attractiveness

Question 11

central route persuasion

Answer 11

occurs when interested people focus on the arguments and respond with favorable thoughts

Question 12

social contagion

Answer 12

▪ Demonstrated the chameleon effect (attempt to blend in) with college students
▪ Automatic mimicry helps people to empathize and feel what others feel.
▪ The more we mimic, the greater our empathy and the more people like us.
▪ This is a form of conformity.