Social Psychology Flashcards
FUNDAMENTAL ATTRIBUTION ERROR
The widespread tendency to overemphasize dispositional factors and to underestimate situational
factors when making attributions about the cause of another person’s behavior.
SELF-SERVING BIAS
The widespread tendency for people to take credit for their successes while at the same time
attributing their failures to external situations beyond their control.
CENTRAL ROUTE TO PERSUASION
When people make decisions based upon factual information, logical arguments, and a thoughtful
analysis of pertinent details. For example, you buy a cell phone based upon its price and number of
available applications.
PERIPHERAL ROUTE TO PERSUASION
When people make decisions based upon emotional appeals and incidental cues. For example, you
buy a cell phone based upon its color and catchy sales slogans.
FOOT-IN-THE-DOOR PHENOMENON
The persuasion strategy of getting a person to agree to a modest first request as a set-up for a later
much larger request.
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
The state of psychological tension, anxiety, and discomfort that occurs when an individual’s attitude
and behavior are inconsistent.
SOCIAL FACILITATION
The tendency for an individual’s performance to improve when simple or well-rehearsed tasks are
performed in the presence of others.
SOCIAL INHIBITION
The tendency for an individual’s performance to decline when complex or poorly learned tasks are
performed in the presence of others
SOCIAL LOAFING
The phenomenon of people making less effort to achieve a goal when they work in a group rather
than when they work alone.
DEINDIVIDUATION
The reduction of self-awareness and personal responsibility that can occur when a person is part of
a group whose members feel anonymous.
BYSTANDER EFFECT
The tendency for individuals to be less likely to assist in an emergency situation when other people
are present.
GROUP POLARIZATION
The tendency for a group’s predominant opinion to become stronger or more extreme after an issue is
discussed.
GROUPTHINK
The tendency for a cohesive decision-making group to ignore or dismiss reasonable alternatives.
CONFORMITY
The tendency for people to adopt the behavior, attitudes, and beliefs of other members of a group.
OBEDIENCE
The performance of an action in response to the direct orders of an authority or person of higher
status.
