U2 AOS2 Behaviour

Question 1

Define social cognition

Answer 1

How people interpret, analyse, remember, and use information to make judgements about others in different social settings.

Question 2

Define person perception

Answer 2

Mental processes we use to form impressions and draw conclusions about the personal characteristics of others

Question 3

Define cognitive bias

Answer 3

A limitation in thinking that is caused by the tendency for us to perceive information through a filter of personal experience and preferences.

Question 4

Describe personal attributions

Answer 4

Characteristics of the person (internal factors)

Question 5

Describe situational attributions

Answer 5

Characteristics due to external factors

Question 6

Describe the Actor-Observer Bias with example

Answer 6

We attribute our own behaviour using situational factors, yet others’ behaviour using internal factors
Eg - I failed the test because the questions were unfair, they failed the test because they didn’t study

Question 7

Describe Fundamental Attribution Error with example

Answer 7

We overestimate the influence of personal factors and underestimate the influence of situational factors on other people’s’ behaviour
Eg. A student is arguing with a teacher because they dropped rubbish. You decide that student is a rule-breaker and rebellious. You don’t consider if the student is under a lot or pressure, if someone else may be responsible, etc.

Question 8

Describe Self-Serving Bias with an example

Answer 8

We take credit for our successes and attribute failures to situational factors
Eg - I won that hand of poker because I am highly skilled, or I lost that hand of poker because I was dealt a bad hand.

Question 9

Define stereotypes

Answer 9

A stereotype is a collection of beliefs we have about the people who belong to a certain group, regardless of individual differences

Question 10

What are the pros of stereotypes?

Answer 10

• allow us to process and make judgments by using available information quickly, often without conscious thought
• stereotypes allow us to respond quickly to groups and situations because of our experience

Question 11

What are the cons of stereotypes

Answer 11

• stereotypes can be inaccurate and difficult to change, as they may be based on cognitive biases (incorrect or inadequate information)
• it can lead to social stigma - negative labels. This may result in disapproval, rejection, and may have harmful effects on psychological wellbeing
• can lead to prejudice, with beliefs of ‘them’ and ‘us’

Question 12

Define attitudes

Answer 12

An attitude is an evaluation a person makes about an object, person, group, event or issue.

Question 13

What are the three components of the Tri-Component Model

Answer 13

Affective
Behavioural
Cognitive

Question 14

What classifies as Ingroup?

Answer 14

A group that you belong to or identify with

Question 15

What classifies as an Outgroup?

Answer 15

Any group you do not belong to or identify with

Question 16

Define Prejudice

Answer 16

Prejudice is an unfavourable or negative attitude towards a group of people or members of a group, solely based on their membership of that group

Question 17

Define Discrimination

Answer 17

Discrimination is the action/behaviour that expresses the attitude of prejudice and it is often an individual who is the victim.

Question 18

What is Social Influence?

Answer 18

Social influence is the effects of the presence of actions of others, either real or imagined, on the way people think, feel and behave

Question 19

What is a group?

Answer 19

A group is any collection of two or more people who interact with and influence one another and who share a common purpose

Question 20

Define Status

Answer 20

Status refers to the importance of an individual’s position in the group, as perceived by members of the group

Question 21

Define Power

Answer 21

Power refers to an individual or group’s ability to control or influence thoughts, feelings and behaviour of another person or group

Question 22

Define Social Power

Answer 22

Social Power refers to power within a social interaction

Question 23

What are the six types of power?

Answer 23

Reward power
Coercive power
Information Power
Legitimate Power
Expert Power
Referent Power

Question 24

What is a role?

Answer 24

A role is the behaviour adopted by an individual or assigned to them that influences the way they function or act in different situations and life in general

Question 25

Define obedience

Answer 25

Obedience occurs when we follow the commands of someone with authority, or the rules and laws of our society.

Question 26

Define conformity

Answer 26

Conformity is the tendency to adjust one’s own thoughts, feelings or behaviour in ways that are in agreement with those of a particular individual or group, or with accepted standards about how a person should behave in certain situations (social norms).

Question 27

Explain the Bystander effect

Answer 27

The bystander effect is the tendency for individuals to be less likely to help another person in need when other bystanders are present, or believed to be present, as compared to when they are alone.

Question 28

Define social norms

Answer 28

Social Norms are standards that govern what people should or should not do in different social situations

Question 29

Define bullying

Answer 29

Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour where one person intentionally and repeatedly causes harm to another