Top Trumps Social Psychology

Cognitive Dissonance is the uncomfortable feeling we get from holding two conflicting thoughts in our head at the same time, e.g., when we have acted in a way that is counter to our beliefs (such as putting a plastic bottle in the regular trash).

Social Identity is our sense of self derived from the groups to which we belong, especially those that matter to us such as our gender, occupation, being a parent, or our sports team allegiance. We strive for a positive social identity.

This theory suggests that when we're uncertain of our attitude on a topic we infer it from our past behaviour, e.g., you may not have thought much about vegetarianism, but because you've always eaten meat, you infer you're not convinced.

The ELM identifies 2 routes to persuasion. When motivated or with ample time we study arguments in detail; however, if rushed, or the issue is less important, we are more easily persuaded by 'peripheral' cues like fame or attractiveness.

This theory proposes that social interaction between different groups can reduce prejudice - but only under certain conditions such as equal status, co-operation, having common goals and there being institutional support.

According to this theory we determine our self worth by comparing ourselves to others. While downward comparisons make us feel superior, upward comparisons motivate us to work harder (although they can also make us feel dejected).

Attribution is how we determine causality in social judgment. A 'dispositional attribution' would be thinking someone who is shouting is an angry person. A 'situational attribution' would be thinking they're just having a bad day.

This theory suggest people strive to maintain balance in all things; e.g., 2 of 3 friends fall out - this makes the group  'unbalanced' and likely to fall apart. In international relations it predicts alliances between countres who have a common enemy.

The TPB posits 3 predictors of volitional behaviour: 1) Attitudes, 2) Social Norms, 3) Perceived Control - but it only works for intentional behaviour (e.g., not habits or behaviours driven by implicit attitudes).

This hypothesis predicts that aggression is a cathartic outlet for frustration. If aggression cannot be directed to an obvious cause,

it is displaced to other targets. This idea
can explain why hate crimes increase during economic recession.

This theory posits three core needs that combine to predict motivation
to succeed in one’s work: 1) Autonomy (ownership and choice), 2) Competence (feeling one has mastery and is effective), 3) Relatedness (feeling connected

to others).

Evaluation Apprehension is the heightened
state of arousal we feel when performing

in front of others. It is often detrimental to performance but can actually help if we’re well rehearsed or believe we’re an expert.

This ‘lightbulb’ theory specifies three determinants of social influence (i.e. how ‘bright’ an influence is): 1) Strength (the social status or power of the influencer), 2) Immediacy (how close the influencer is in time and space), 3) Number (of people in the influencing group).

TMT suggests knowledge of our mortality is terrifying at an existential level. We manage this terror by endorsing cultural worldviews (religion, science) or performing actions (having children) that provide meaning, purpose, and value.

This theory suggests mood is influenced by facial expression, not the other way around. Smiling increases blood flow to the brain which lowers brain temperature and creates a positive mood. Frowning constricts blood flow producing the opposite effect.

This theory argues people have an underlying motivation to rationalize
or justify the status quo of political systems, rooted in the mind’s desire for consistency, balance and certainty. It explains why it is difficult to achieve social and political change.

This Freudian theory suggests an Authoritarian Personality is acquired as a defensive reaction to over-strict parenting. It leads to an overly- deferential view of authority figures, rigid forms of thinking, and displaced aggression towards minorities.

This theory suggests that we don’t only learn by physically interacting with the world, but
also by observing the behaviour of others,
and whether these behaviours are positively or negatively reinforced. It is a key theory
of aggression.

What predicts if a relationship will last? According to this model, commitment
is determined by three things: 1) Satisfaction,
2) Perceived Quality of Alternatives, 3) Level of Investment (e.g., mutual friends, shared memories and possessions).

This model describes how and when people use stereotypes to form impressions of others. A key determinant is whether someone exhibits characteristics that fit an existing stereotype, such as

a gender role.

This model describes when people are likely to step in and help someone in need. It predicts ‘bystander apathy’ - the tendency for people to not intervene when others are present (due to

a ‘diffusion of responsibility’).

Stereotype Threat is the fear of confirming
a negative stereotype about a group to which we belong. This fear can ironically become self-fulfulling as the pre-occupation with this fear can interfere with performance.

This theory argues that frame of mind
can be instrumental in success, e.g., adopting a ‘growth’ (vs. ‘fixed’) intelligence mindset means difficult tasks are seen as challenges and opportunities to learn (rather than threats

to be avoided).

While we are conscious of our explicit attitudes and they determine intentional behaviour, implicit attitudes exist without conscious awareness and can predict spontaneous behaviour or habits.

They can be the basis for unconscious bias.

This model posits 3 stages in how we deal with social exclusion: 1) Reflexive, 2) Reflective, 3) Resignation. Research shows the first stage is experienced like real pain, with the same areas of the brain activated as if one were physically injured.

People save time and effort in making judgments by using heuristics that reduce complex judgments to simple rules of thumb. However, while they are quick and easy, they can result in biased information processing.

This theory proposes we act like ‘relationship accountants’. When costs outweigh relationship benefits we walk away
- but only if a better alternative is available. It can also explain when and why people leave their job (i.e., end the ‘relationship’ with their employer).

Does diversity make the mind grow stronger? This model suggests that when socially diverse environments challenge stereotypes and social norms this can exercise the mind in ways that enhance problem-solving and creativity.

Processing Fluency describes the ease with which people perceive, process and understand information. Messages characterised by greater fluency are better remembered, instil a more positive mood, and are more likely perceived as true.

An Illusory Correlation is when a relationship between two infrequently experienced things is perceived but doesn’t really exist, e.g., the superstition that black cats bring bad luck,
or that negative traits (lazy, dishonest) apply to immigrants or minorities.