ap psych module 8 vocabulary

5 min read 01-12-2024

This comprehensive guide covers key terms for AP Psychology Module 8, focusing on social psychology. Understanding these concepts is crucial for success on the AP exam. We'll break down each term with clear definitions and illustrative examples. Mastering this vocabulary will significantly enhance your understanding of social influence and behavior.

Key Terms & Concepts: Social Psychology

This section outlines the core vocabulary for understanding social interactions and influences.

Attribution Theory:

Definition: Attribution theory explains how we interpret and explain the causes of behavior—our own and others'. We attribute behavior to either internal (dispositional) factors (personality traits) or external (situational) factors (environmental influences).
Example: Seeing someone trip. An internal attribution might be, "They're clumsy." An external attribution might be, "The sidewalk was icy."
Related Concepts: Fundamental Attribution Error, Actor-Observer Bias, Self-Serving Bias.

Fundamental Attribution Error:

Definition: This is our tendency to overemphasize internal factors and underestimate situational factors when explaining others' behavior.
Example: Assuming someone is lazy because they're late, without considering possible traffic or unforeseen circumstances.

Actor-Observer Bias:

Definition: This bias reflects our tendency to attribute our own behavior to situational factors, while attributing others' behavior to dispositional factors.
Example: You're late because of traffic (situational), but you think someone else is late because they're irresponsible (dispositional).

Self-Serving Bias:

Definition: This is the tendency to take credit for our successes (internal attribution) while blaming external factors for our failures (external attribution).
Example: Getting a good grade on a test because you studied hard (internal), but failing a test because the questions were unfair (external).

Just-World Hypothesis:

Definition: This is the belief that the world is fair and people get what they deserve. This can lead to blaming victims for their misfortunes.
Example: Believing someone who experienced a car accident was somehow responsible for it.

Attitudes:

Definition: Attitudes are learned predispositions to respond favorably or unfavorably toward a particular object, person, or event. They have cognitive (beliefs), affective (emotional), and behavioral components.
Example: Holding a positive attitude towards recycling (cognitive: it's good for the environment; affective: I feel good about it; behavioral: I recycle regularly).

Cognitive Dissonance:

Definition: This is the psychological discomfort experienced when our attitudes and behaviors clash. We often reduce dissonance by changing our attitudes to match our behaviors.
Example: Smoking despite knowing it's harmful. To reduce dissonance, a smoker might downplay the health risks or justify their habit.

Conformity:

Definition: Conformity is adjusting one's behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard.
Example: Going along with a group's decision even if you disagree privately. (See Asch's conformity experiments.)

Obedience:

Definition: Obedience is complying with the demands of an authority figure.
Example: Milgram's obedience experiments demonstrated the surprising level of obedience to authority, even when it involved harming others.

Social Facilitation:

Definition: Improved performance on simple or well-learned tasks in the presence of others.
Example: A skilled athlete performing better in a stadium full of spectators.

Social Loafing:

Definition: The tendency for people in a group to exert less effort when pooling their efforts toward attaining a common goal than when individually accountable.
Example: Group projects where some members contribute less than others because their individual efforts aren't easily identifiable.

Deindividuation:

Definition: The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity.
Example: Rioting or vandalism where individuals lose their sense of personal responsibility within a crowd.

Group Polarization:

Definition: The enhancement of a group's prevailing inclinations through discussion within the group. Discussions strengthen existing opinions.
Example: A jury initially leaning towards a guilty verdict becoming even more certain after deliberation.

Groupthink:

Definition: The mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives.
Example: A group making a poor decision because members are afraid to express dissenting opinions.

Prejudice:

Definition: An unjustifiable (and usually negative) attitude toward a group and its members. Prejudice involves stereotyped beliefs, negative feelings, and a predisposition to discriminatory action.
Example: Holding negative stereotypes about a particular racial or ethnic group.

Stereotypes:

Definition: A generalized (sometimes accurate but often overgeneralized) belief about a group of people.
Example: Assuming all members of a particular group are intelligent or lazy.

Discrimination:

Definition: Unjustifiable negative behavior toward a group and its members.
Example: Refusing to hire someone based on their race or gender.

Aggression:

Definition: Any physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt or destroy.
Example: Physical assault, verbal insults, cyberbullying.

Frustration-Aggression Principle:

Definition: The principle that frustration—the blocking of an attempt to achieve some goal—creates anger, which can generate aggression.
Example: Becoming angry and aggressive after being cut off in traffic.

Social Exchange Theory:

Definition: The theory that our social behavior is an exchange process, the aim of which is to maximize benefits and minimize costs.
Example: Helping someone because you expect them to reciprocate in the future.

Reciprocity Norm:

Definition: An expectation that people will help, not hurt, those who have helped them.
Example: Returning a favor or helping someone who has previously helped you.

Social Responsibility Norm:

Definition: An expectation that people will help those dependent upon them.
Example: Helping a child or an elderly person who needs assistance.

Bystander Effect:

Definition: The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present.
Example: A person being less likely to help someone in need if other people are around and not helping.

Diffusion of Responsibility:

Definition: A phenomenon where the responsibility for taking action is spread across multiple people, reducing the likelihood that any one person will act. This contributes to the bystander effect.
Example: In a crowded street, no one calls emergency services for a victim because everyone assumes someone else will.

Altruism:

Definition: Unselfish regard for the welfare of others.
Example: Risking your own safety to save someone else.

Passionate Love:

Definition: An aroused state of intense positive absorption in another, usually present at the beginning of a love relationship.
Example: The intense feelings of love and attraction experienced during the early stages of a relationship.

Companionate Love:

Definition: The deep affectionate attachment we feel for those with whom our lives are intertwined.
Example: The deep bond and affection shared between long-term partners.

Equity:

Definition: A condition in which people receive from a relationship in proportion to what they give to it. Fairness in relationships.
Example: A relationship where both partners feel they are contributing equally and receiving equal benefits.

Applying Social Psychology Concepts

This section demonstrates the practical application of the above concepts.

Scenario: Imagine you witness a car accident. A person is injured and needs help. Several other people are also present.

Bystander Effect & Diffusion of Responsibility: The presence of others might decrease your likelihood of helping because you assume someone else will take action. The responsibility is diffused among the group.
Social Responsibility Norm: Your sense of moral obligation might compel you to help, regardless of the presence of others.
Altruism: If you help despite personal risk, your behavior demonstrates altruism.

Conclusion

Understanding AP Psychology Module 8 vocabulary is vital for mastering social psychology. This guide provides a strong foundation. By actively using and applying these terms, you'll not only succeed on the AP exam but also gain a deeper understanding of human behavior and social interactions. Remember to review these concepts frequently and connect them to real-world examples to improve retention.