Question 1

The fundamental attribution error

Accepted Answer

The fundamental attribution error involves underestimating situational constraints on another's behavior, rather than considering the situation as a factor in their behavior. It occurs when we assume that an individual's behavior is due to their personal traits or character, while ignoring the influence of external factors.

Question 2

When a group of racially prejudiced high school students discussed racial issues,their attitudes became even more prejudiced.This best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Group polarization refers to the tendency for group discussion to strengthen the initial attitudes of group members. In this case, the racially prejudiced high school students became even more prejudiced after discussing racial issues. This is a classic example of group polarization.

Question 3

Research participants who worked alongside someone who rubbed his or her face or shook his or her foot were observed to do the same thing themselves.This best illustrated

Accepted Answer

The behavior of the research participants who imitated the actions of the person they were working alongside describes the chameleon effect, which is the phenomenon of individuals unconsciously mimicking the actions of others in their immediate social environment. Social facilitation refers to the tendency of individuals to perform better on simple tasks in the presence of others, social loafing refers to the reduced effort of individuals when working in a group, and social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations of behavior that are culturally specific.

Question 4

The mental process of inferring the causes of people's behavior,including one's own,is called

Accepted Answer

The process of inferring the causes of people's behavior is known as attribution. Attribution theory explains how people make judgments about the behavior of others and themselves.

Question 5

A negative behavior describes ________;a negative attitude describes ________.

Accepted Answer

A negative behavior refers to a specific action that harms or mistreats someone based on their group membership, such as refusing to hire someone because of their race. Discrimination is the act of carrying out such negative behaviors. A negative attitude refers to a belief or sentiment someone holds about a group of people, such as thinking that all members of a certain race are inferior. Prejudice is the term used to describe negative attitudes towards a particular group of people. Therefore, choice C is the best answer as it correctly matches negative behavior to discrimination and negative attitude to prejudice.

Question 6

Jonathan,who attends Cloverdale High School,believes that all students at his school are friendlier than those who attend nearby Smith Valley High School.His belief best illustrates

Accepted Answer

Jonathan's belief that students at his own school are friendlier is an example of ingroup bias, which refers to the tendency for individuals to favor members of their own group over outsiders.

Question 7

Professor Stewart wrote a very positive letter of recommendation for a student despite having doubts about her competence.Which theory best explains why he subsequently began to develop more favorable attitudes about the student's abilities?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that people experience discomfort (or dissonance) when holding two inconsistent beliefs or attitudes. In this case, Professor Stewart may have experienced discomfort after writing a positive letter of recommendation for a student he had doubts about. To reduce this discomfort, he may have started to justify his positive attitude towards the student by finding more positive aspects of her competence, leading to a change in his overall attitude towards her.

Question 8

When Arturo and Maria visit a local jewelry store to purchase an engagement ring,the store is crowded and there is only one salesperson.When the salesperson finally approaches them,she is irritated by their request for help.Arturo and Maria realize that her behavior is due to the lack of sales help and the number of customers in the store.They are explaining the salesperson's behavior based on

Accepted Answer

Arturo and Maria are explaining the salesperson's behavior as a result of the situation (crowded store with only one salesperson), rather than attributing it to her personality. This is an example of situational attribution.

Question 9

Studies have revealed diminished activity in the ________ of violent criminals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Studies have revealed diminished activity in the...

Question 10

Using the Asch procedure,conformity to group judgments would be LEAST likely when

Accepted Answer

The Asch procedure involves a group of people giving judgments about the length of lines, and the participant is asked to conform to the group's answer even if it's wrong. Conformity is least likely when participants are not observed by other group members when giving their answers because the group pressure to conform would not be present if others cannot see the participant's responses. Conversely, when participants announce their own answers only after the other group members have done so (A), or in a group that has more than three people (D), conformity is more likely due to the social pressure of conforming to the group norm. Additionally, when judgments are difficult to make, conformity is more likely (C) as participants rely on the opinions of others to guide their responses.

Question 11

Jackie is trying to decide which computer to purchase.After reading various articles comparing computers and researching the different types of computers in Consumer Reports,she makes her decision.Jackie's decision illustrates

Accepted Answer

Jackie used a logical and thoughtful approach to make her decision by reading articles and doing research in Consumer Reports. This is an example of central route persuasion, where someone is persuaded to change their attitude or behavior based on a logical and thoughtful evaluation of information. Peripheral route persuasion involves being persuaded by superficial or irrelevant factors, such as the appearance of the product or the attractiveness of the spokesperson endorsing it. Cognitive dissonance involves feeling uncomfortable or conflicted when one's attitudes or behaviors do not align with each other, and attribution theory involves explaining the causes of behavior based on either internal (personality traits) or external (situational) factors.

Question 12

When shopping for a new cell phone,many shoppers prefer certain products simply because they have familiar brand names.This preference best illustrates the importance of

Accepted Answer

The mere exposure effect is the phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things that are familiar to them, simply because they are familiar. In the context of shopping for a cell phone, people may prefer certain products (such as iPhones or Samsung phones) simply because they have seen them advertised and have seen other people using them. This illustrates the influence that familiarity, or the mere exposure effect, can have on consumer behavior.

Question 13

To put up a fence,Steven wants to cut down a tree that is partially in Tom's yard.Tom loves the tree and is opposed to cutting it down.He and Steven have argued several times about their opposing goals.Steven and Tom are involved in

Accepted Answer

Steven and Tom are in a conflict because they have opposing goals and have been arguing about it.

Question 14

Mr.Hughes heard what sounded like cries for help from a swimmer located 30 yards from the ocean shoreline.He continued walking along the beach,however,because he figured that one of the many swimmers in the vicinity would provide help if it was needed.His reaction best illustrates the dynamics involved in

Accepted Answer

The bystander effect is the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency situation when there are other people around. Mr.Hughes' decision not to offer assistance despite hearing cries for help is an example of this effect. He assumed that someone else would provide help.

Question 15

Although Frieda is typically very reserved,as part of a huge rock concert crowd she lost her inhibitions and behaved in a provocative way.Frieda's unusual behavior is best understood in terms of

Accepted Answer

Frieda's behavior of losing her inhibitions and behaving in a provocative way is consistent with deindividuation, which occurs when a loss of personal identity and accountability in a group setting leads to a disregarding of social norms and a potential for unconventional behavior. Social loafing, social facilitation, and group polarization would not explain Frieda's individual behavior in this particular situation.

Question 16

The hostilities between two racial subgroups of a riverfront community were dramatically reduced when the threat of the river flooding its banks required that they work together to save their town.This best illustrates the impact of

Accepted Answer

The situation described in the question is an example of superordinate goals, where two conflicting groups come together to achieve a common goal, in this case, saving their town from a flood. This can lead to a reduction in hostilities and increased cooperation between the groups. Choice A (social exchange theory) refers to the idea that people are motivated by self-interest and will only help others if they perceive a benefit for themselves. Choice C (diffusion of responsibility) and choice D (the bystander effect) are both related to the idea that people are less likely to help in emergency situations when there are other people around. These concepts do not apply to the situation described in the question.

Question 17

Marshall,who is not a college athlete,thinks that all college athletes behave the same and have the same attitudes toward nonathletes.Marshall's thinking illustrates

Accepted Answer

Marshall's thinking that all college athletes behave the same and have the same attitudes toward nonathletes is an example of outgroup homogeneity bias. This bias refers to the tendency to perceive members of outgroups as more similar to each other than members of one's own ingroup. Marshall is not a part of the college athlete group, so he perceives them as all being the same and having the same attitudes. This is a common cognitive bias that can lead to stereotyping and discrimination against outgroups.

Question 18

As soon as Marisa met Juan she felt an enormously strong romantic and physical attraction.After their initial date she could not stop thinking about Juan.Marisa interpreted the feeling as "love at first sight." Marisa was

Accepted Answer

Marisa's strong romantic and physical attraction, along with her interpretation of "love at first sight," are indicative of passionate love.

Question 19

Jorge is a pitcher for his high school baseball team.In the last inning,he gave up a home run,which turned out to be the go-ahead run for his school's biggest rival.When the next batter came up,Jorge hit him with a fastball and was ejected from the game.Jorge's behavior illustrates

Accepted Answer

Jorge's behavior is an example of the frustration-aggression principle, where an individual's frustration leads to aggressive behavior. In this case, Jorge was likely frustrated by giving up the home run and responded with aggression towards the next batter.

Question 20

Carolyn and Paul have been married for 30 years and feel a deep attachment;they can't imagine their lives without each other.The attachment they feel is called

Accepted Answer

Companionate love refers to the deep affection and attachment that individuals feel towards each other in long-term relationships, such as marriage. It is characterized by feelings of warmth, comfort, and mutual support, and emphasizes the importance of friendship, shared experiences, and ongoing commitment. In contrast to passionate love, which is marked by intense emotional arousal and a focus on physical attraction, companionate love reflects a deeper, more enduring connection that goes beyond mere infatuation. In Carolyn and Paul's case, their 30-year marriage and strong emotional bond suggest that they are experiencing companionate love.

Quiz 11: Social Psychology