Social Psychology
Explore how social context influences thought and behavior.
1Introduction
Judging a stranger by their appearance, conforming to peer pressure, falling in love — all illustrate social psychology.
Social psychology studies how people think about, influence, and relate to one another.
4Relationships
Sternbergs Triangular Theory of Love
Intimacy + Passion + Commitment = Consummate Love
Attraction
Proximity, similarity, reciprocity, physical attractiveness.
FAQ
- What is the Fundamental Attribution Error?
- Tendency to over-estimate internal/dispositional causes and under-estimate situational causes for others behavior.
- What is the Bystander Effect?
- Less likely to help in emergency when others present due to diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.
- What is Social Identity Theory?
- People derive self-esteem from group memberships and favor in-groups over out-groups.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding.
1.Which best defines the Fundamental Attribution Error?
2.In Milgrams obedience experiments, what percentage delivered maximum shock?
3.Door-in-the-face technique relies on which principle?
4.Which Sternberg component involves feelings of closeness?
5.Presence of others enhances simple tasks, impairs complex:
6.Bystander Effect: less help due to?
7.Which theory explains favoring in-groups for self-esteem?
8.Difference between prejudice and discrimination?
9.Which is NOT a condition for Contact Hypothesis?
10.ELM proposes two routes to persuasion:
2Social Cognition
Attribution
How we explain behavior (dispositional vs situational).
Fundamental Attribution Error
Overestimate dispositional for others, underestimate situational.
Attitudes
Evaluations affecting behavior (cognitive, affective, behavioral components).
Cognitive Dissonance
Discomfort from conflicting cognitions; leads to attitude change.