Free Printable Worksheets for learning Social Psychology at the College level

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Social Psychology

Definition

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the imagined, imagined, or actual presence of others.

Key Concepts

  • Social Influence
  • Social Perception
  • Social Attitudes and Beliefs
  • Attraction and Relationships
  • Group Dynamics
  • Intergroup Relations

Social Influence

  • Social Influence is the process by which individuals or groups change the behavior of others, either intentionally or unintentionally.

  • Social Influence can be categorized into three types: Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience.

Social Perception

  • Social Perception refers to the process by which we make judgments about others based on their appearance or behavior.

  • Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination are important topics in Social Perception.

Social Attitudes and Beliefs

  • Social Attitudes and Beliefs are the evaluative and cognitive components of an individual's reaction to social stimuli.

  • Cognitive Dissonance Theory and the Elaboration Likelihood Model are widely used models to understand Social Attitudes and Beliefs.

Attraction and Relationships

  • Attraction refers to feeling of liking, affinity or positive evaluation about a person, place or thing.

  • Relationship includes all stages of romantic or platonic relationship from building rapport to breaking-up.

  • Attraction and Relationships are associated with various theories such as Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory, and Attachment Theory.

Group Dynamics

  • Group Dynamics refer to the study of behavior within groups.

  • Group Norms, Group Polarization, and Groupthink are some of the important topics in Group Dynamics.

Intergroup Relations

  • Intergroup Relations refer to the interactions and relations between different groups of people.

  • These interactions can take many forms and are often based on factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Psychology is the scientific study of the interactions between people.

  • Social Influence, Perception, Attitudes and Beliefs, Attraction and Relationships, Group Dynamics, and Intergroup Relations are the key concepts of Social Psychology.

  • Social Psychology is helpful in understanding various social issues such as discrimination, stereotyping and bias in a more scientific way.

Here's some sample Social Psychology vocabulary lists Sign in to generate your own vocabulary list worksheet.

Word Definition
Self-esteem Confidence and satisfaction in oneself; belief in one's own worth
Conformity The phenomenon whereby an individual's beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors are influenced by those of a group.
Cognitive dissonance Mental conflict that occurs when a person's behaviors and beliefs do not align
stereotype A generalized belief about a group of people that is applied to individuals belonging to that group
Prejudice Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
Discrimination The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex
Attribution The process by which individuals explain the causes of behavior and events
Stereotype threat The apprehension experienced by members of a group that their behavior or performance may confirm a cultural stereotype
Social facilitation The presence of others can enhance performance on simple or well-learned tasks but can impair performance on complex or poorly learned tasks.
Group polarization The tendency for a group to make more extreme decisions than the group members would have made individually.
Social identity The part of the self-concept that is derived from one's membership in a social group and the emotional significance of that membership.
In-group bias The tendency to favor one's own group
Out-group homogeneity Perception of out-group members as more similar to one another than are in-group members
Social loafing The tendency for people to expend less individual effort when working in a group than when working alone.
Deindividuation the loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity
Groupthink A mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives.
Compliance Changes in behavior at the request or direction of another person who is in no position to command it
Obedience A form of compliance that occurs when people follow a directive from someone in a position of authority
Attitude A settled way of thinking or feeling about something
Persuasion The action or process of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something.

Here's some sample Social Psychology study guides Sign in to generate your own study guide worksheet.

Social Psychology Study Guide

Overview

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

Key Terms

  • Social influence
  • Group dynamics
  • Social cognition
  • Social perception
  • Stereotyping
  • Prejudice
  • Discrimination
  • Attitudes
  • Persuasion

Theories in Social Psychology

  • Social identity theory
  • Social exchange theory
  • Social learning theory
  • Cognitive dissonance theory
  • Self-perception theory
  • Balance theory
  • Social comparison theory

Research Methods

  • Correlational studies
  • Experimental studies
  • Survey research
  • Naturalistic observation
  • Archival research

Topics in Social Psychology

Social Influence

  • Conformity
  • Obedience
  • Compliance

Social Cognition

  • Attribution theory
  • Heuristics
  • Social schemas

Attitudes

  • Formation
  • Change
  • Measurement

Prejudice and Discrimination

  • Stereotypes
  • Intergroup relations
  • In-group/out-group bias

Persuasion

  • Message characteristics
  • Source characteristics
  • Audience characteristics

Group Dynamics

  • Group polarization
  • Groupthink
  • Social loafing
  • Deindividuation

Application of Social Psychology

  • Health behavior
  • Work behavior
  • Environmental behavior
  • Political behavior
  • Legal behavior

Study Tips

  • Begin with an overview of key terms and theories, and then move on to specific topics.
  • Use examples from real-life situations to help understand concepts.
  • Take notes while reading to improve retention.
  • Make connections between different topics to promote deeper understanding.
  • Test your knowledge by answering practice questions and reviewing your notes regularly.

Here's some sample Social Psychology practice sheets Sign in to generate your own practice sheet worksheet.

Practice Sheet: Social Psychology

  1. Explain the difference between conformity and obedience in social psychology, and provide an example of each.

  2. Define social norms and provide an example of a norm that is specific to your culture.

  3. Describe the fundamental attribution error and provide an example of a situation where it may occur.

  4. Explain the bystander effect and provide an example of its occurrence.

  5. Describe the difference between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

  6. Discuss the concept of social identity and provide an example of how it can influence behavior.

  7. Explain the just-world hypothesis and provide an example of its occurrence.

  8. Define and describe cognitive dissonance, and provide an example of how it may impact behavior.

  9. Describe the effects of group polarization and provide an example of its occurrence.

  10. Explain the concept of social facilitation and provide an example of when it may take place.

  11. Discuss the concept of deindividuation and provide an example of when it may occur.

  12. Define and describe the concept of social influence and provide an example of how it may be used.

  13. Discuss the proximity principle and its role in forming interpersonal relationships.

  14. Describe the factors that influence attraction in interpersonal relationships.

  15. Explain the role of cognitive processes in forming attitudes and beliefs about social issues.

  16. Discuss the role of culture in shaping social behavior and norms.

  17. Describe the effects of social perception on behavior, and provide an example of a situation where it may occur.

  18. Explain the social learning theory and how it can explain the behavior of individuals in groups.

  19. Discuss the role of emotions in social behavior, and provide an example of how they may influence behavior.

  20. Describe the steps involved in the scientific method and how they are applied in social psychology research.

Remember to revisit the material and review any areas in which you may need extra practice. Good luck!

Social Psychology Practice Sheet

Sample Problem

What is the definition of conformity?

Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. It is a type of social influence that results in a change of behavior, attitude, or belief to align with those of the group. Conformity can also refer to the process of individuals adapting and conforming to group norms.


Problem 1

What is the difference between conformity and compliance?

Conformity is when an individual changes their behavior, attitude, or belief to align with those of the group. Compliance is when an individual follows a request or rule without questioning it. Compliance does not necessarily involve a change in behavior, attitude, or belief, but rather just following a request or rule.

Social Psychology Practice Sheet

1. What is the definition of social psychology?

Answer: Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.

2. What are the three main levels of analysis in social psychology?

Answer: The three main levels of analysis in social psychology are the individual level, the interpersonal level, and the group level.

3. What is the difference between a stereotype and a prejudice?

Answer: A stereotype is a generalization about a group of people, while a prejudice is an attitude or opinion about a group of people.

4. What is the difference between conformity and compliance?

Answer: Conformity is a change in behavior or belief in order to fit in with a group, while compliance is a change in behavior in response to a direct request or pressure from another person.

5. What is the difference between altruism and prosocial behavior?

Answer: Altruism is a selfless act that is done for the benefit of another person, while prosocial behavior is any action that is intended to benefit another person.

Here's some sample Social Psychology quizzes Sign in to generate your own quiz worksheet.

Problem Answer
What is the fundamental attribution error? The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to overestimate dispositional (internal) explanations for others' behavior and to underestimate situational (external) explanations.
What is cognitive dissonance? Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort or mental stress experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas, or who behaves in a way that conflicts with their beliefs or values.
What is social facilitation? Social facilitation is the tendency for people to perform better on simple or well-rehearsed tasks when in the presence of others.
What is social loafing? Social loafing is the tendency for people to exert less effort on a task when they are working in a group than when they are working alone.
What is groupthink? Groupthink is the tendency for members of a group to conform to the opinions or decisions of the dominant or charismatic members of the group, rather than expressing their own opinions and seeking alternative solutions. It often leads to disastrous consequences.
What is the bystander effect? The bystander effect is the tendency for individuals to be less likely to offer help in an emergency situation when other people are present.
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy? The self-fulfilling prophecy is the tendency for people's beliefs or expectations about another person or group to influence their own behavior and lead that person or group to behave in ways that confirm those expectations.
What is social identity theory? Social identity theory is a theory that explains how people form their identity and self-concept based on their membership in social groups. It suggests that people strive for positive self-concept by identifying with certain groups and by comparing their group membership with other groups.
What is social comparison theory? Social comparison theory suggests that individuals evaluate themselves by comparing themselves to others, especially in terms of physical appearance, abilities, and social status.
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? Prejudice is a negative attitude or belief towards a particular group based on faulty assumptions, stereotypes, or generalizations. Discrimination is an overt or covert behavior that systematically excludes individuals or groups from full participation and equal treatment based on their membership in those groups.

Social Psychology Quiz

Problem Answer
What is the definition of social psychology? Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another.
What is the difference between social psychology and sociology? Social psychology is focused on individual behavior, while sociology is focused on group behavior.
What are the three main goals of social psychology? The three main goals of social psychology are to describe, explain, and predict social behavior.
What is the difference between a social norm and a social role? A social norm is a shared expectation of behavior, while a social role is a set of behaviors that are expected of someone in a particular social context.
What is the difference between conformity and compliance? Conformity is a change in behavior in order to fit in with a group, while compliance is a change in behavior in response to a direct request from another person.
What is the difference between obedience and authority? Obedience is a change in behavior in response to a direct order from an authority figure, while authority is the power to make and enforce rules.
What is the difference between altruism and prosocial behavior? Altruism is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others, while prosocial behavior is any action intended to benefit another person.
What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? Prejudice is a negative attitude towards a group of people, while discrimination is an action or behavior that is based on prejudice.
What is the difference between a stereotype and a scapegoat? A stereotype is a generalized belief about a group of people, while a scapegoat is an individual who is blamed for the mistakes of a group.
What is the difference between groupthink and group polarization? Groupthink is a phenomenon in which group members prioritize consensus over critical thinking, while group polarization is a phenomenon in which group members become more extreme in their beliefs after discussing them with each other.
Questions Answers
What is social psychology? Social psychology is the scientific study of how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others.
What is an example of an attitude? An attitude is a feeling or opinion about a person, object, or issue. Examples of attitudes include liking or disliking a certain person, having a positive or negative opinion about a particular issue, or believing something to be good or bad.
What is the difference between conformity and obedience? Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. Obedience is a form of social influence in which a person follows orders, instructions, or commands given by an authority figure.
What is the fundamental attribution error? The fundamental attribution error is the tendency for people to overestimate the influence of personality and underestimate the influence of situational factors when making judgments about the behavior of others.
What is the bystander effect? The bystander effect is the phenomenon in which the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency situation.
What is the difference between implicit and explicit attitudes? Implicit attitudes are attitudes or biases that operate outside of conscious awareness. Explicit attitudes are attitudes or biases that are consciously endorsed.
What is the difference between social facilitation and social loafing? Social facilitation is the tendency for people to perform better on simple or well-learned tasks in the presence of others. Social loafing is the tendency for people to expend less effort when working in a group than when working alone.
What is the difference between groupthink and group polarization? Groupthink is a phenomenon in which group members strive for consensus at the expense of critical thinking. Group polarization is a phenomenon in which group discussion strengthens the initial tendencies of group members.
What is the difference between ingroup and outgroup? An ingroup is a group to which a person belongs and identifies with. An outgroup is a group to which a person does not belong or identify with.
What is the difference between social exchange theory and equity theory? Social exchange theory is a theory that states that people weigh the costs and benefits of a relationship when deciding whether to stay in it. Equity theory is a theory that states that people strive for fairness in their relationships.
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