Social Cognition
Attribution Theory
Explains how we determine the cause of behavior
Confirmation Bias
only noticing info that supports belifes
Conformity and Obedience
Social pressures can lead individuals to conform to group norms or obey authority figures, impacting decision-making processes.
Conscious vs. Unconscious Mind
Freud posited that the unconscious mind influences behavior, but it remains inaccessible to direct observation
Humanism
Focuses on personal growth and self actualization, emphasizing the human capacity for change and imporvment
Dispositional Attribution
Behavior caused by personality/ internal traits
belief perseverance
holding beliefs despite evidence
Groupthink vs. Dissent:
Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony leads to poor decision-making, while dissent can foster critical thinking and better outcomes.
Defense Mechanisms
The ego employs various mechanisms to protect itself from anxiety and maintain psychological behavior
Big 5 Personality Traits
Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism
Situational Attribution
Behavior caused by environment/external factors
just-world hypothesis
people get what they deserve
Social Comparison
Individuals evaluate themselves against others, which can lead to upward or downward comparisons affecting self-esteem and motivation.
Psychoanalytic Techniques
Methods like free association and projective tests aim to uncover unconscious thoughts and feelings
Social Cognitive Theory
Integrates behavioral and cognitive perspectives
Fundamental Attribution
Overestimating personality and underestimating situation when judging others
james-lange theory
proposes that psychological reactions precede experiences
Cognitive Load
The mental effort required to process information can influence decision-making and group dynamics.
Critiques of Freud
Freud's theories are often criticized for being falsifiable and lacking empirical support, positioning them more as philosophy than science
Social-Concept
Refers to how individuals perceive and evaluate themselves
Locus of Control
Belief about whether outcomes are controlled internally or externally
facial feedback hypothesis
suggests that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences
Social Facilitation vs. Inhibition
The presence of others can enhance performance on simple tasks but hinder performance on complex tasks.
Influence on Modern Psychology
Despite Critics, Freudian concepts have shaped therapeutic practices and the understanding of human behavior
Social Desirability Bias
A tendency to respond in a manner that would be favorably by others