UTHS Psychology Final Weeks

Jessica sees two teenagers racing down the sidewalk and assumes they are running from trouble because they are bad kids. Jessica's assumption that the teenager's were bad kids is known as the–

• peripheral route to persuasion.

• attribution theory.

• central route to persuasion.

• fundamental attribution error.

The theory that we act to reduce the discomfort  we feel when two of our thoughts are inconsistent is known as–

• attribution theory.

• cognitive dissonance theory.

• peripheral route to persuasion.

• central route to persuasion.

Answer explanation

Cognitive dissonance theory is the theory that we act to reduce the discomfort (dissonance) we feel when two of our thoughts (cognitions) are inconsistent.

Which of the following describes a belief and feeling that predisposes one to respond in a particular way to objects, people, and events?

• attitude

• bias

• discrimination

• fundamental attribution error

Answer explanation

Attitudes are our evaluations or feelings toward a person, idea, or object and typically are positive or negative.

Marsha asks her little sister to go get her a glass of water. When her little sister returns with the water, Marsha asks her to then get her a snack. Marsha's little sister's willingness to comply with her sister's request is known as–

• the central route to persuasion.

• the cognitive dissonance theory.

• the foot-in-the-door phenomenon.

• a fundamental attribution error.

Answer explanation

The foot-in-the-door phenomenon is the tendency for people who have first agreed to a small request to comply later with a larger request.

Which of the following is an example of a social script?

• Sarah shakes her new boss' hand when she meets her.

• Manuel brings a present to his cousin's birthday party.

• Darla goes to the grocery store, puts food in her cart, and pays for her food in line.

• Mark and his wife are expecting a son.

Answer explanation

 A social script is a series of behaviors in a given situation. 

• For example, a student at school is expected to arrive at a particular time, sit in a designated seat, participate in class, and leave when the bell rings to the next class.

Which of the following is an example of a social role?

• Jerry listens to a friend's joke and then laughs.

• Miranda makes direct eye contact when her boss is talking to her.

• Samantha is a soon to be bride.

• Ruth stands a reasonable distance from the person in front of her in line.

A toothpaste business uses facts about how the product helps prevent diseases. The business has chosen the–

• cognitive dissonance.

• central route to persuasion.

• peripheral route to persuasion.

• foot-in-the-door phenomenon.

The theory that we tend to give a causal explanation for someone’s behavior, often by crediting either the situation or the person’s disposition is known as–

• social norm.

• social script.

• foot-in-the-door phenomenon.

• attribution theory.

Answer explanation

• Attribution theory is that we tend to give a causal explanation for someone’s behavior, often by crediting either the situation or the person’s disposition.

Which of the following best represents a culture which puts value on harmonious relationships over competition?

• an individualistic culture

• a foreign culture

• a familiar culture

• a collectivist culture

Aggression always involves–

• the intent to harm.

• physical harm.

• anger and hostility.

• psychological harm.