1. Unit VI Social Psychology

2. Part I Social Thinking & Influence

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Part II- Social Relations

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Part III Cross-Cultural Psychology

15. Factors Influencing Culture
Population Density
Climate
Natural Resources
Technology

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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