Social Psychology

What are the three big ideas of social psychology?

Answer explanation

The three big ideas of social psychology are: 1) Social influence, which examines how individuals change their behavior in response to others; 2) Social perception, focusing on how we form impressions of others; 3) Social interaction, exploring how people relate to one another.

What is Social Influence?

Answer explanation

Social influence refers to the ways in which individuals change their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors due to the real or imagined presence of others. It encompasses conformity, compliance, and obedience.

What is the mere exposure effect?

• A phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus increases liking

• A theory that people dislike things they see often

• A method of reducing anxiety through exposure

• A way to increase memory retention

What does the self-fulfilling prophecy refer to?

• A belief that leads to its own fulfillment

• A prediction that never comes true

• A random occurrence with no explanation

• A prophecy that is always false

What is social comparison?

• Evaluating oneself based on comparisons to others

• Ignoring others' opinions

• Comparing oneself to past achievements

• Focusing solely on personal goals

Why do individuals often engage in social comparison?

• To improve their physical health

• To assess their abilities, status, or opinions

• To make new friends

• To avoid competition

What might a student feel when comparing themselves to a top-performing peer?

• Anxious

• Confident

• Complacent

• Joyful

What emotion does a student feel when they perceive themselves as lacking compared to their more affluent peers?

• Contentment

• Satisfaction

• Envy

• Indifference

What is the spotlight effect?

• The idea that we are the center of the universe

• The belief that others are paying more attention to us than they really are

• The tendency to ignore social surroundings

• The belief that our emotions are always visible

What does the illusion of transparency refer to?

• The belief that we can hide our feelings completely

• The tendency to overestimate our social skills

• The belief that our concealed emotions are easily read by others

• The idea that we are always aware of others' thoughts