Module 74

Question 1

social psychologists

Answer 1

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

Question 2

attribution theory

Answer 2

the theory that we can explain someones behavior by either crediting the situation or the persons disposition

Question 3

fundamental attribution error

Answer 3

the tendency for observers, when analyzing ones behavior, to underestimate the influence of the situation and overestimate the impact of the persons disposition

Question 4

attitudes

Answer 4

feelings, often influenced by our beliefs, that predispose our reactions to objects, people, and events

Question 5

peripheral route persuasion

Answer 5

occurs when people are influenced by incidental cues, like a speakers attractiveness

Question 6

central route persuasion

Answer 6

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

Question 7

foot in the door phenomenon

Answer 7

the tendency for people who have first agreed to a small task to later be more compliment to do a larger task

Question 8

role

Answer 8

a set of norms about a social position, defining how that person should behave

Question 9

cognitive dissonance theory

Answer 9

the theory that we act to reduce the discomfort (dissonance) we feel when two of our thoughts (cognitions) are inconsistent. For example, when we become aware that our attitudes and our actions clash, we can reduce the resulting dissonance by changing our attitudes. (p. 773)