Module 80: Altruism, Conflict, and Peacemaking Flashcards
Altruism
An unselfish regard for the welfare of others
The Decision-Making Process for bystander intervention
Before helping, one must first notice an emergency, then correctly interpret it, and then feel responsible.
Diffusion of Responsibility
The behavior in which an individual assumes they are not responsible for taking action or that others have already done so
- more people - less likely someone helps
Bystander Effect
The tendency for any nearby person (bystander) to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present
- the presence of bystanders reduces brain activation in the motor cortex, signaling that we don’t need to take action
Social-Exchange Theory
The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs
- self-interest underlies all human interactions and that our constant goal is to maximize rewards and minimize costs
Reciprocity Norm
An expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them.
- in our relationships with others of similar status, this norm compels us to give (in favors, gifts, or social invitations) about as much as we receive)
- sometimes this means “paying it forward”, as happened in one experiment when people who were treated generously became more likely to be generous to a stranger
Social-Responsibility Norm
The expectation that we should help those who need our help - young children and others who cannot give as much as they receive- even if the costs out weight the benefits.
Conflict
A perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas
- social psychologist: the elements of conflict are much the same, whether partners sparring, political groups, feuding, or nations at war
- conflict may seed positive change, or be a destructive process that can produce unwanted results
Social Trap
A situation in which the conflicting parties, by each pursuing their self-interest rather than the good of the group, become caught in mutually destructive behavior.
- social traps challenge us to reconcile our right to pursue our personal well-being with our responsibility for the well-being of all.
Mirror-Image Perceptions
Mutual views often held by conflicting people, as when each side sees itself as ethical and peaceful and views the other side as evil and aggressive.
- As we see “them” as untrustworthy, with evil intentions- so “they” see us. Each demonizes the other.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
A belief that leads to its own fulfillment.
- mirror image perception can often feed a vicious cycle of hostility
- perceptions can become self-fulfilling prophecies- beliefs that confirm themselves by influencing the other person to react in ways that seem to justify them.
How can we make peace?
Contact, Cooperation, Communication, Conciliation
Superordinate Goals
Shared goals that could be achieved only through cooperation
How important is communication to peace?
When real-life conflicts become intense, a third-party mediator may facilitate much-needed communication
- mediators help each party voice its viewpoint and understand the other’s needs and goals
Grit
Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension
Reduction - a strategy designed to decrease international tensions
- one side announces its recognition of mutual interest and its intent to reduce tensions
- it then initiates one or more small, conciliatory acts
- opens the door for reciprocity
