Social Psych Quiz 2 - Key Concepts - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

1. Unpleasant state of psychological tension or arousal that occurs when two thoughts or perceptions are inconsistent; it typically results from the awareness that attitudes and behaviour are in conflict.

Foot-in-the-door technique

Out-group bias

Cognitive dissonance

Cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable feeling that arises when there is a conflict between our attitudes and behavior. This occurs when we are aware that our thoughts or perceptions are inconsistent, causing a state of psychological tension or arousal. For example, if someone strongly believes in the importance of environmental conservation but still regularly uses single-use plastic, they may experience cognitive dissonance. This theory suggests that people are motivated to reduce this dissonance by either changing their attitudes or behavior to align with each other.

Explanation

Cognitive dissonance refers to the uncomfortable feeling that arises when there is a conflict between our attitudes and behavior. This occurs when we are aware that our thoughts or perceptions are inconsistent, causing a state of psychological tension or arousal. For example, if someone strongly believes in the importance of environmental conservation but still regularly uses single-use plastic, they may experience cognitive dissonance. This theory suggests that people are motivated to reduce this dissonance by either changing their attitudes or behavior to align with each other.

2. A cluster of characteristics that are associated with all members of a specific social group (often including qualities that are untelated to the objective criteria that define the group).

Discrimination

Prejudice

Stereotype

Out-group

A stereotype refers to a cluster of characteristics that are commonly associated with all members of a specific social group. These characteristics may not necessarily be related to the objective criteria that define the group. Stereotypes are often oversimplified and generalized beliefs or judgments about a particular group, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice. Stereotypes can be both positive and negative, but they often perpetuate biases and can result in unfair treatment or assumptions about individuals based on their group membership.

Explanation

A stereotype refers to a cluster of characteristics that are commonly associated with all members of a specific social group. These characteristics may not necessarily be related to the objective criteria that define the group. Stereotypes are often oversimplified and generalized beliefs or judgments about a particular group, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice. Stereotypes can be both positive and negative, but they often perpetuate biases and can result in unfair treatment or assumptions about individuals based on their group membership.

3. Seeing members of the out-group as much more similar to one another than the members of one's in-group.

Out-group homogeneity effect

In-group bias

Cognitive dissonance

The out-group homogeneity effect refers to the tendency to perceive members of an out-group as more similar to each other than members of our own in-group. This bias occurs because we often have limited exposure to the out-group and rely on stereotypes and generalizations to make judgments about them. This can lead to overgeneralizations and a failure to recognize the diversity within the out-group. In contrast, in-group bias refers to favoritism towards members of our own group, while cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Explanation

The out-group homogeneity effect refers to the tendency to perceive members of an out-group as more similar to each other than members of our own in-group. This bias occurs because we often have limited exposure to the out-group and rely on stereotypes and generalizations to make judgments about them. This can lead to overgeneralizations and a failure to recognize the diversity within the out-group. In contrast, in-group bias refers to favoritism towards members of our own group, while cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

4. The tendency of attributing one's own behaviour to external, situational causes, while attributing the behaviour of others to internal, personal causes.

Self-serving bias

Actor-observer discrepancy

Fundamental attribution error

Blaming the victim

The actor-observer discrepancy refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their own behavior to external, situational causes, while attributing the behavior of others to internal, personal causes. This means that individuals are more likely to explain their own actions based on the circumstances or context they were in, while explaining the actions of others based on their personal characteristics or traits. This bias can lead to misunderstandings and misjudgments in interpersonal relationships as people may not fully consider the external factors influencing others' behavior.

Explanation

The actor-observer discrepancy refers to the tendency of individuals to attribute their own behavior to external, situational causes, while attributing the behavior of others to internal, personal causes. This means that individuals are more likely to explain their own actions based on the circumstances or context they were in, while explaining the actions of others based on their personal characteristics or traits. This bias can lead to misunderstandings and misjudgments in interpersonal relationships as people may not fully consider the external factors influencing others' behavior.

5. Any behaviour that helps another, whether the underlying motive is selfless or selfserving.

Altruism

Prosocial behaviour

Foot-in-the-mouth technique

Bystander Effect

Prosocial behavior refers to any behavior that benefits others, regardless of whether the motive behind it is selfless or self-serving. It encompasses acts of kindness, empathy, cooperation, and helping others in various situations. This behavior can be driven by genuine concern for others' well-being or by personal gains such as social approval or personal satisfaction. Prosocial behavior plays a crucial role in building and maintaining positive relationships, fostering a sense of community, and creating a more supportive and compassionate society.

Explanation

Prosocial behavior refers to any behavior that benefits others, regardless of whether the motive behind it is selfless or self-serving. It encompasses acts of kindness, empathy, cooperation, and helping others in various situations. This behavior can be driven by genuine concern for others' well-being or by personal gains such as social approval or personal satisfaction. Prosocial behavior plays a crucial role in building and maintaining positive relationships, fostering a sense of community, and creating a more supportive and compassionate society.