Social Psychology Free Online FlashCards

What is an attribution?

An attribution is an explanation for behavior, based on internal characteristics, external circumstances, or both.

What is the fundamental attribution error?

The fundamental attribution error is overestimating personality-based explanations for others’ behavior while underestimating situational influences.

What is a social schema?

A schema is an organized mental framework that helps people interpret information about people, roles, groups, or situations.

What are the three components of an attitude?

The affective component involves feelings, the behavioral component involves actions or intentions, and the cognitive component involves beliefs or thoughts.

What is cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance is psychological tension caused by inconsistency among beliefs, attitudes, and behavior.

How do central and peripheral persuasion routes differ?

The central route uses careful attention to evidence and reasoning; the peripheral route relies more on surface cues such as attractiveness, fame, or emotional appeal.

What is conformity?

Conformity is changing behavior or expressed opinions to match a group, even when one privately disagrees.

How do normative and informational social influence differ?

Normative influence produces conformity for acceptance or to avoid rejection; informational influence produces conformity because others seem to provide accurate information.

What is social facilitation?

Social facilitation is improved performance on well-learned or simple tasks, but sometimes impaired performance on difficult or unfamiliar tasks, when others are present.

What is groupthink?

Groupthink occurs when a cohesive group prioritizes agreement and harmony over careful evaluation of alternatives.

What are the three components in Sternberg’s theory of love?

Sternberg’s triangular theory identifies intimacy, passion, and commitment as the three components of love.

How do stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination differ?

A stereotype is a generalized belief, prejudice is an evaluative attitude, and discrimination is unjustified behavior or unequal treatment based on group membership.