Social Psychology
Social Psychology understand and explain how our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors. Social psychologists first impressions, stereotypes, how people evaluate social interactions, and why racism exists.
First Impressions Person perception: process by which we form impressions of, and make judgments about, the traits and characteristics of others. There are 4 basic things which influence our judgment: 1. Physical Appearance 2. Need to explain 3. Influence on behavior 4. Effects of race
“What is beautiful is good.” Physical attractiveness plays a major role in first impressions. Physically attractive = more responsive, interesting, sociable, intelligent, kind, outgoing, and likely to be recommended for promotions. However, psychological characteristics often make a person more or less attractive.
How Do First Impressions Work? First impressions occur quickly and automatically because we form them based on already formed stereotypes. Stereotypes are widely held beliefs that people have certain traits because they belong to a particular group. Once formed, negative stereotypes and first impressions are hard to break
Where Do Stereotype Come From? Stereotypes are believed to form when parents, peers, teachers etc. reward us with social approval for holding certain attitudes or beliefs. Social psychologists believe stereotypes have been created as cognitive tools to help us think and make decisions more efficiently. Stereotypes serve as a source of information and also a thought-saving device.
Why are stereotypes so hard to break? 1. We are often unaware that we use them. 2. We usually dismiss information that does not fit our stereotypes
What’s a Schema? Generalized mental representations that organize knowledge and guide information processing: Scripts Stereotypes
Four Types of Schemas: 1. Person Schemas 2. Role Schemas 3. Event Schemas 4. Self Schemas
Person Schemas Our judgments about the traits that we and others possess.
Role Schemas Based on the jobs people perform or the social positions they hold
Event Schemas Also called scripts. These schemas associate behaviors with familiar events, activities, or procedures.
Self Schemas Contain personal information about ourselves, and this information influences, modifies, and distorts how we behave and or perceive events.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Schemas 1. Schemas may restrict, bias, or distort what we remember. 2. They are highly resistant to change and therefore may hold a person back. Advantages: Help to analyze and respond appropriately to particular social Situations. 2. Provide guidelines for how to behave in social events.(event) 3. Help to explain the social behavior of others. (role)