Prosocial Behavior and Prejudice/Discrimination

Question 1

Accordning to Latane and Darley (1970) bystander apathy or intervention involves what five steps?

Answer 1

1. Noticing the event, which may be affected by “stimulus overload”.
2. Interpreting the event as an emergency, which may not happen because of “pluralistic ignorance” (misperception of how others feel)
3. Assuming responsibility, which may not happen because of “diffusion of responsibility” (others are available and willing to help)
4. Determining how to help, which may not happen if they don’t know how.
5. Deciding if to help, which many not happen due to “evaluation apprehension” (fear of negative judgement by others)

Question 2

What two hypotheses discuss motivations for helping others?

Answer 2

1. Empathy-altruism hypothesis - empathic concern as motivator. (more support for this hypothesis)
2. Negative state relief model - people help others to reduce their own sadness or guilt at others’ distress.

Question 3

Based on Sherif’s Robbers Cave study, what factor most helps to reduce intergroup conflict?

Answer 3

Superordinate goals that allowed both groups to work together

Question 4

What are 4 common explanations for prejudice and discrimination?

Answer 4

1. Realistic conflict theory
2. Social Identity theory
3. Scapegoat theory
4. Authoritarian personality theory

Question 5

This theory states that prejudice and discrimination are the result of direct conflict between groups for resources.

Answer 5

Realistic Conflict Theory

Question 6

This theory states that prejudice and discrimination are the result of people’s tendency to categorize people into groups, identify with one or more groups, and to favor in-groups (which also raises one’s self-esteem).

Answer 6

Social identity theory

Question 7

This theory states that prejudice and discrimination are the result of members of dominant groups venting their frustration and disappointment against weaker targets.

Answer 7

Scapegoat theory

Question 8

What are the nine personality traits associated with the authoritarian personality theory of prejudice?

Answer 8

1. Conventionalism
2. Authoritarian submission
3. Authoritarian aggression
4. Anti-intraception
5. Superstition and stereotype
6. Power and toughness
7. Destructiveness and cynicism
8. Projectivity
9. Sexual puritanism

High scorers on the Adorno et al. F (Fascism) Scale, are associated with ethnocentrism and prejudice.

Question 9

Allport’s (1954) contact hypothesis holds that there are four factors involved in the reduction of prejudice in contact between majority and minority group members.

Answer 9

1. Members of the group have equal status
2. There are superordinate goals
3. There is no competition between members
4. The contact is sanctioned by law/custom/authorities.

Question 10

Known as “old-fashioned” racism, _____ is characterized by hostile attitudes and blatant discrimination against racial minority groups.

Answer 10

Overt racism

Question 11

Known as modern racism, _____ is subtle, and may be either intentional or unintentional.

Answer 11

Covert racism

Intentional covert racism involves being aware of one’s racist attitudes and trying to give socially acceptable reasons for them to hide intent.

Question 12

This theory of covert racism is characterized by beliefs in:

• egalitarianism
• that racism no longer exists,
• that certain groups violate traditional values
• that social/economic hardships are due to personal failures

Answer 12

Symbolic racism

Question 13

This theory of covert racism is characterized by beliefs in:

• egalitarianism
• negative, unconscious perceptions of minority groups
• self-image of not being prejudiced
• avoid interacting with members of other racial groups

Answer 13

Aversive racism

Question 14

This theory of covert racism is characterized by positive and negative beliefs about minority group members, resulting in emotional tension which a person tries to relieve by amplifying their positive and/or negative feelings.

Answer 14

Ambivalent racism

Question 15

This refers to a person’s unconscious internalization of positive and negative stereotypes that are applied to his/her own group by other groups.

Answer 15

Self-stereotyping

This may have negative or positive effects, even when the stereotype is negative.

Question 16

This refers to the phenomenon of when situational factors activate group stereotypes. Studies support the notion that this can impair the functioning of a minority group when performing tasks associated with negative stereotypes about their group.

Answer 16

Stereotype threat