Unit VI Social Psychology

Part I Social Thinking & Influence

Attribution Theory Attribution theory says we tend to explain behavior of others as either an inner trait or situational We tend to error in attributing most behaviors to inner traits & not situations

Actions & Attitudes Attitudes can predict behavior under certain conditions if there are minimal outside influences & if we are aware of attitudes & they are relevant Behavior can also affect behvior as we act to reduce discomfort when thoughts & actions are incosistant

Conformity & Obedience Research shows that we are willing to conform to a groups ideas even if we know they are wrong Extreme case is called GROUPTHINK Research (like Milgram’s) shows people are predisposed to follow orders & obey IF someone seems like they are in authority https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBw0ased8Sw

Others Impact on Us The presence of others strengthens our ability to perform well-learned tasks but NOT tasks we haven’t mastered Social loafing is the tendency to exert less effort toward group tasks

Membership Issues Polarization, enhances group attitudes through discussion Also GroupThink Often we have self-fulfilling prophecies when we believe something to be true and we act to cause it to become true

Part II- Social Relations http://www.cracked.com/photoplasty_1054_20-famous-stereotypes-that-are-statistically-b.s./ http://www.cracked.com/photoplasty_982_18-offensive-stereotypes-you-still-see-in-movies-tv/ http://www.cracked.com/article_20999_5-terrifying-ways-being-in-love-chemically-impairs-you.html http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-ways-you-sabotage-your-love-life-explained-by-science_p2/

Attractiveness Proximity, Exposure & Similarity are majors reasons for attractiveness Appearance is the FIRST filter of attractiveness

Differences in LOVE Passion: Intense, aroused state of positivity; Beginning Compassion: DEEP & affectionate; Needs equity & self-disclosure

Altruism Unselfish regard of the welfare of others Specific situations increase or decrease the odds of helping Bystander Effect: Less likely to help if other bystanders are present https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUozJNizyaA

Stereotypes & Prejudice Stereotypes are formed through nurture and exposure to our environment Prejudice forms as we take negative stereotypes and apply them to out-groups We also favor our in-groups traits & actions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASDzcvyatgw

Aggression Genetics, biochemistry can determine aggression as well observing others around Shared goals help to limit aggression in groups & require cooperation

Part III Cross-Cultural Psychology

Factors Influencing Culture Population Density Climate Natural Resources Technology

Types of Cultures Individualists which focus on on personal goals, independence, needs Collectivists which focus on group goals, needs, & interdependence Achievement is viewed differently by both as well as how we emotionally react to things

Research Cross-cultural research attempts to test whether principles are identical or different across cultures Psychological principles are tested to see if they are universal or culture specific

Influence of Culture Personality is heavily defined by culture Western culture tends to focus on self more Socialization is learned through internalizing rules/patterns or cultural norms Culture also determines our attachment to parents

Ethnocentrism When you view the world through your OWN culture; Defining what YOU think is socially appropriate or “normal” Can be very NEGATIVE