Social Psychology- Chapter 1

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1. What is Social Psychology?

The study of cells and molecules within the body.

The study of outer space and celestial bodies.

The study of prehistoric civilizations.

The scientific study of (1) how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others, and (2) how we interact with others.

Social Psychology focuses on the interactions between individuals and how they are influenced by others, not on cellular biology, astronomy, or ancient civilizations.

Explanation

Social Psychology focuses on the interactions between individuals and how they are influenced by others, not on cellular biology, astronomy, or ancient civilizations.

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About This Quiz

Exam 1 study cards for Social Psychology (Chapter One).

2. How is Social Psychology different from other Psychology?

Social Psychology is focused on diagnosing mental disorders.

Social Psychology studies only individual behavior.

Social Psychology primarily deals with animal behavior.

S.P. focuses on situational variables that affect how we behave.

Social Psychology is unique in its focus on the impact of social situations on individual behavior, rather than solely focusing on individual characteristics or mental health issues. This distinguishes it from fields of psychology that may concentrate on different aspects of human behavior.

Explanation

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3. Examples of Social Topics:

Botany species

Chemical reactions

Group Behavior, leadership, self-perception, social perception, non-verbal behavior, comformity, obedience, compliance, and rationalization.

Mathematical equations

Social topics revolve around human behavior, interactions, and relationships within a society. These topics are not related to mathematical equations, botany species, or chemical reactions.

Explanation

Social topics revolve around human behavior, interactions, and relationships within a society. These topics are not related to mathematical equations, botany species, or chemical reactions.

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4. Is social influence always noticeable?

Absolutely, social influence is always visible and easily identifiable.

No, social influence never has a significant impact on individuals.

Social influence only occurs in specific settings and is never subtle.

Many times the social component is obvious (i.e. boss yelling at you), however, sometimes the other person is affecting you without being physically there (i.e. prepping for a first date).

Social influence can manifest itself in various ways, sometimes overtly and sometimes more subtly. It is not always noticeable, as the question suggests.

Explanation

Social influence can manifest itself in various ways, sometimes overtly and sometimes more subtly. It is not always noticeable, as the question suggests.

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5. What are 3 reasons to study S.P.?

-To understand ourselves better -To understand others better

-Increases empathy overall

To become judgmental towards others

To feel superior to others

To manipulate people for personal gain

Studying S.P. helps in better understanding oneself and others, as well as increasing overall empathy. The incorrect answers provided do not align with the positive and empathetic outcomes of studying S.P.

Explanation

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6. What is the difference between scientific research and social research?

Often times, scientific research involves controlling for variables and manipulating it to avoid unknowns, social research is observational and has little conttrol over outside variables.

Scientific research utilizes qualitative methods while social research focuses on quantitative methods.

Scientific research aims to prove specific hypotheses while social research aims to explore and understand social phenomena.

Scientific research focuses on studying physical sciences only while social research focuses on humanities.

Scientific research involves controlled experiments and manipulation of variables to test hypotheses, while social research relies on observational studies and has limited control over outside variables. This fundamental difference in approach distinguishes the two types of research.

Explanation

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7. What are the 2 Key Elements of Social Research?

-Theory
-Hypothesis

Survey

Observation

Experiment

Theory and hypothesis are essential components of social research as they help in understanding and testing relationships within social phenomena.

Explanation

Theory and hypothesis are essential components of social research as they help in understanding and testing relationships within social phenomena.

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8. What is a theory?

A hypothetical situation with no basis in reality.

A proven fact based on evidence.

A scientist's explanation of an event or outcome occurs.

A random guess without any evidence.

A theory is a scientist's well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, and tested hypotheses.

Explanation

A theory is a scientist's well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, and tested hypotheses.

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9. What is a Conceptual Definition?

Concrete Definition

Empirical Definition

Defining variable that are abstract or that cannot be observed directly (i.e. aggression, rage, self-esteem, etc.)

Observational Definition

A Conceptual Definition is used to define variables that are not directly observable or tangible, such as emotions or abstract concepts.

Explanation

A Conceptual Definition is used to define variables that are not directly observable or tangible, such as emotions or abstract concepts.

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10. What is an Operational Definition?

Defining variables that can be directly observed and manipulated (i.e. number of hours of sleep)

An estimate of the likelihood of an event occurring.

A method used to predict future outcomes based on past data.

A term used to describe the operational procedures of a company.

An operational definition focuses on defining variables in terms of how they are observed and measured, rather than abstract concepts.

Explanation

An operational definition focuses on defining variables in terms of how they are observed and measured, rather than abstract concepts.

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11. What does correlation measure?

Measures if an association exists between two or more concepts.

Measures the difference between two concepts.

Measures the validity of a hypothesis.

Measures the exact relationship between two variables.

Correlation measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two or more variables, not the exact relationship or difference between concepts.

Explanation

Correlation measures the strength and direction of a relationship between two or more variables, not the exact relationship or difference between concepts.

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12. What does the Correlation Coefficient (r) measure?

-Ranges from -1 to 1
-Closer to |1|, the stronger the relationship
-Sign tells direction of relationship (positive/ negative)

Measures the average of two values

Measures the standard deviation of a data set

Measures the difference between two data points

The Correlation Coefficient (r) measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables. It ranges from -1 to 1, with values closer to |1| indicating a stronger relationship. The sign of the coefficient indicates the direction of the relationship (positive or negative).

Explanation

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13. What is the main issue with correlation?

Correlation is always positive

Correlation is always negative

Correlation guarantees causation

-Does not prove causation
-Third variable?

Correlation does not indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, but rather just shows a relationship between two variables. It is possible that a third variable is influencing both variables being studied.

Explanation

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14. What are some advantages and disadvantages of using surveys as a research method?

-Subjective bias

-Time-consuming data analysis

-Self-report measure
-Easy to administer
-Willingness to report
-Wording of questions
-Socially desirable responses

-Limited sample size

Surveys are a common research method that allows for self-reporting from participants, making it easy to administer and gather data. However, there may be issues with the wording of questions leading to biased responses and socially desirable answers.

Explanation

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15. What is the definition of Observational Studies?

-Research in which the investigator conducts experiments on participants and measures the outcomes

-Research in which the investigator collects data through surveys and questionnaires

-Research in which the investigator watches participants and codes measures from the observed behavior
-aware v. unaware, naturalistic v. lab
-"scoring" can be done during or after observation

-Research in which the investigator analyzes existing data from databases and records

Observational Studies involve watching participants and coding measures from observed behavior, focusing on awareness, naturalistic or lab settings, and allowing scoring to occur during or after observation. It differs from experiments, surveys, and data analysis methods.

Explanation

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