1 Social Psychology Outlines Carolyn R. Fallahi, Ph. D.
2 Attitudes Definition: An attitude is a learned predisposition. It involves responding: –Cognitively –Affectively –behaviorally
3 Is there an Attitude-Behavior relationship? LaPiere’s (1934) classic study Corey’s cheating study Voting Behavior Rule: the closer the attitude-behavior relationship, the better the prediction.
4 Davidson & Jaccard Attitudes towards birth control? What attitudes specifically predict our use of birth control? –Family planning.11 –Birth control.20 –Birth control pills.50 –You using birth control pills.79
5 Attitude Change Are attitudes permanent? –Politicians –Attitude change or persuasion Leon Festinger (1957) Theory of cognitive dissonance Festinger & Carlsmith (1959)
6 Prejudice & Discrimination Prejudice = prejudgment –Negative attitudes –Positive attitudes –Based on limited information –Three components: Cognitive component or stereotype Affective component Behavioral component
7 Discrimination Discrimination = behavior –Often results from prejudice –People do not always act on their prejudices –Ingroup versus outgroups –The role of stereotypes
8 Reasons for Prejudice Learning –Parents, friends, teachers –Exposure –Direct experiences –Receive attention / approval –Economic and political competition –Displaced aggression
9 Social Influence & Attribution Theory We tend to underestimate the influence of the social situation on the behavior of other people. Fritz Heider (1958) = fundamental attribution error. –Underestimate the impact of the social situation on others. –We understand the impact on ourselves.
10 Definitions Situational attribution Dispositional attribution
11 Groups & Social Influence What does it mean to be a member of a group? Lynch mobs & deindividuation –Example: William Carr –Zimbardo (1969) deindividuation –An analysis of lynchings over 47 years
12 Uninvolved Bystanders Kitty Genovese case Psychologists Bibb Latane, John Darley, & Judith ‘Rodin Latane & Darley (1970)
13 Working & solving problems in groups Group efforts Latane, Williams & Harkins (1979) = social loafing Social facilitation Triplett (1898) – social facilitation Social impairment Zajonc (1965) – presence of others is arousing
14 Obedience Conformity – Solomon Asch (1956) Why do we conform? Extreme positions – Stoner (1961) – polarization of thinking Group Think – Irving Janis (1982)