Social Psychology Flashcards
What is social psychology?
The scientific study of how people influence each other, and other factors that affect social behaviour.
What do social psychology theories do? (3)
- Explain social behaviour
- Organize research findings
- Focus and direct research
What are psychoanalytic theories focused on?
The transformation of people from biological organisms to socialized beings.
What are behavioural theories focused on?
Concerned with how behaviour is acquired or emitted.
What are cognitive theories focused on?
How we perceive the environmental influences in our behaviour.
What are two examples of cognitive theories?
Attribution theory and self-efficacy theory.
Norman Triplett laid the groundwork for what theory?
Social Facilitation Theory
Why was Muzafer Sherif’s robber’s cave study important?
For psychological understanding of groups (conflict, stereotypes, prejudice, and competition.)
What is social influence?
Real or imagined pressure to change one’s behaviour, attitude, or belief.
What are 5 sources of power?
- Legitimate
- Expert
- Reward
- Coercive
- Referent
What is legitimate power?
Based on one’s socially sanctioned claim to a position/role that gives him/her the right to require and demand compliance.
What is expert power?
Derived from subordinates assumptions that the power holder possesses superior skills and abilities.
What is reward power?
Having control over the distribution of rewards given to individuals.
What is coercive power?
Having the ability to punish/threaten others who don’t comply with requests/demands.
What is referent power?
Based on one’s identification with, attraction to, or respect for the power holder.
What is social support?
The perceived comfort, caring, assistance, and information that a person receives from others.
What are 5 types of social support?
- Instrumental
- Emotional
- Informational
- Companionship
- Validation
What is instrumental support?
Tangible, practical assistance to help a person achieve their goals.
What is emotional support?
Something which occurs through the expression of encouragement, caring, empathy, and concern towards a person.
What is informational support?
Includes giving directions, advice, or suggestions, and providing feedback regarding progress.
What is companionship support?
Reflects the availability of a person within one’s social network.
What is validation?
Involves comparing oneself with others in order to gauge progress and confirm that one’s thoughts, feelings, problems, and experiences are normal.
