Exam 12: Social Psychology

Which statement correctly characterizes one aspect of Stanley Milgram's study of obedience?

Asch's studies showed that overall conformity to group pressure occurred just over __________ of the time.

Research supports the idea that we tend to be most attracted to people who are our opposites instead of people to whom we are very similar.

A recent candidate for mayor of a major city wanted to win the election by focusing the voters' anger-at bad economic conditions-on Mexican Americans. "They are the reason why you don't have any opportunities," he tells the crowds, "and I will make sure that no more of them are allowed in this city if you elect me mayor!" This despicable campaign strategy makes use of the concept of __________.

"I hate Walt Disney World. Whenever I take the kids there, with all the crowds and the heat, I realize how much I hate that place." Which method of attitude formation is involved in this example?

What is one possible way to help promote contact among students from different backgrounds in a cooperative way?

A local car insurance company advertises its products with television commercials. During those spots, there are flashy lights, attractive dancers wearing skin-tight outfits, and local celebrities talking about how they have that company's insurance. The advertisement does not, however, mention any of the features, benefits, or costs associated with the product. This company is attempting to earn customers through which path of processing?

"Look, Officer, I didn't see the stop sign back there because the sun was in my eyes." The police officer responds, "You were not paying attention." How would a social psychologist describe this situation?

According to social identity theory, individuals view their own group favorably so as to __________.

The issue of racial profiling has been a controversial topic in the United States for many years, and it was particularly widespread after the events of September 11, 2001. When an individual engages in profiling and assumes that one person must possess certain qualities because of his or her race or ethnicity, the individual is engaging in __________.

The advice to "keep it simple, stupid" suggests that political and other messages should be simple so that the audience will understand the content without distractions. This is an example of which type of processing suggested by the elaboration likelihood model?

When people are unable to reach a goal, frustration may result, which can ultimately turn into __________.

Briefly describe social categorization.

What is the difference between a situational and a dispositional attribution?

Following their classic study, Festinger and Carlsmith (1959) reported that those who got $1 for doing a boring task said it was more interesting than those who got $20 for doing the same task.

What was the grade level of the students with whom Jane Elliott performed her famous blue eye-brown eye demonstration?

What term do social psychologists use for the process of making people in an out-group responsible for the problems of people in the in-group?

The classic Robber's Cave study showed that prejudice can be reduced by __________.

Which statement is more likely to be TRUE concerning attributions made by Americans versus those made by the Japanese?

Dr. Zimmerman divided her first-period class into two groups. One group had to read 20 pages in a boring psychology text, but would get 2 extra points on the next test. The other group read the same 20 pages but were given 25 points added to the next test. The class members were then asked to tell the second-period class how interesting the book was. According to the results of the Festinger and Carlsmith study, what prediction could one make about the remarks of the first-period class?