test 2 social cog Flashcards
Social cog def
- The mental processes involved in interpreting, analysing, remembering and using information about the world
- Deals with the socio-cultural level of explanation for behaviour, meaning how other people influence our behaviour
Attitudes def
An evaluation of something, be it a person, object or idea.
Attitudes can be
Negative
Posititive
neutral
ambivalent
Neutral vs ambivalent
Neutral - indifferent
Ambivalent - recognise good and bad
Tri-component model
Also known as ABC
A widely accepted theory used to explain behaviour
suggests that any attitude has 3 components, all of which must be present for an attitude to be formed
A
Affective (Emotional reaction)
B
Behavioural (physical actions in response)
C
Cognitive (beliefs we have)
Can the ABC contradict
A and C can contradict with B which creates cognitive dissonance
Functions of attitude
Adaptive
Self-expressive
Ego-defensive
Knowledge
Adaptive
Helps people maximise rewards and minimise penalties
Voting
Self expression
Allows us to express values internal to our person. We establish our identity and manage how we are viewed by peers
Ego defensive
Helps people avoid harsh truths about themselves
Knowledge
Informs how to act in a specific situation. Changes our behaviour due to attitude changes based on knowledge.
Bi-directional relationship between B and A
The relationship between attitude and behaviour is bi-directional, meaning A affects B and B affects A
A affect B
If we have a positive attitude to something our behaviour will reflect this
A affect B factors
Strength
Specific
Social situation
Strength of attitude
They stronger the underlying emotion, the stronger the impact it has on behaviour. Attitudes born from direct experiences are more durable
Specific of attitude
The more specific, the more it will impact
Social situation
situations affect how freely we express our attitudes.
B affect A
If we behave in a certain way it may impact our attitude
B affect A (self-perception theory)
Suggests that we observe our own behaviour and conclude our attitude from this
I play this sport so therefore I like it
B affect A (cog dis)
When our attitudes and behaviours are inconsistent it makes us uncomfortable so we change on of them
Factors of attitude formation and change
Central/peripheral
Direct/indirect/learning
Source/audience/message
Learning
Classical (association)
Operant (Reward)
Observational (Copying)
Central route
Based on content and logic of message
High elaboration
More durable attitude change
Peripheral route
Based on non-message such as attractiveness and emotions
Low elaboration
Less durable
Source
Who conveys the message Credibility (Experts) Trustworthy (Talking fast) Attractiveness (Halo effect) Likability
Audience
Characteristics of audience
Intelligence
Self esteem
1 sided vs 2 sided
Message
Type of info
- Facts
- Emotion
- Imagery
- repetition
Prejudice
A negative attitude towards people in a certain group purely because they belong to said group
to reduce p we must change attitudes
How do we become prejudice
Observation or rewards
Suggestions to reduce prejudice
- equal eco and legal status
- Normal for groups to have equality
- Increased contact
- Co-op goals
- Creating cog dis
- Cognitive intervention (Acknowledgement)
Public safety
Encouraging discussions is helpful
Using fear tactics is only helpful when providing a way to avoid its negative impacts
2 factors of impression formation
Verbal and non-verbal
Verbal
What we say
Paralinguistic
Empahsis pitch Inflection Rhythm Loudness Hesitation
Non-verbal communications
Physical appearance Facial expression Eye contact open vs closed posture gestures Distance Body language
Impression managment
the attempts we make to influence the impression we make on others
(Management) social comparison
Gaining self knowledge when comparing ourselves
Downward
Upward
Similar
Self handicapping (management)
Making an excuse as to why you may present a less than desirable impression (must be done before performance)
Real handicapping
Genuine reason (decreased performance)
Artificial handicapping
You make up an excuse (Lower standards
Research investigations
Behavioural observations and attitude inference
Self reports
Ethics
Confiedentality Withdrawel rights Voluntary participation Informed consent Debriefing Accurate reporting professional conduct
