Social Cognition: Understanding How We Think About and Interact with Others

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a component of social cognition, which explores how individuals perceive, think about, and interact with others?

Accepted Answer

Behavior

Answer

Perception

Answer

Cognition

Answer

Emotion

Question 2

According to the Attribution Theory, people tend to attribute others' actions to:

Accepted Answer

Both internal and external factors

Answer

Internal factors (e.g., personality, intentions)

Answer

External factors (e.g., situation, environment)

Answer

Neither internal nor external factors

Question 3

Which cognitive bias involves the tendency to perceive objects or events as belonging to a preconceived category, even when they don't fit?

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Availability bias

Question 4

What is the purpose of the 'fundamental attribution error'?

Accepted Answer

To explain the tendency to **underestimate** the influence of internal factors on behavior

Answer

To explain the tendency to overestimate the influence of external factors on behavior

Answer

To explain the tendency to overestimate the influence of both internal and external factors on behavior

Answer

To explain the tendency to underestimate the influence of both internal and external factors on behavior

Question 5

What is the distinction between empathy and sympathy?

Accepted Answer

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions of others, while sympathy is the ability to feel compassion for them

Answer

Sympathy is the ability to understand and share the emotions of others, while empathy is the ability to feel compassion for them

Answer

Empathy and sympathy are interchangeable terms

Answer

Neither empathy nor sympathy involves understanding or sharing another person's emotions

Question 6

Which theory suggests that our social behavior is primarily motivated by a desire to achieve favorable self-perceptions?

Accepted Answer

Self-Evaluation Maintenance Theory

Answer

Social Exchange Theory

Answer

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer

Social Identity Theory

Question 7

How does social cognition impact our interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

It influences how we communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts

Answer

It has little to no impact on our interactions with others

Answer

It only affects our relationships with strangers

Answer

It only affects our relationships with family and close friends

Question 8

In social cognition, what is the primary function of schemas?

Accepted Answer

To reinforce existing beliefs and biases

Answer

To hinder the formation of new relationships

Answer

To promote balanced and unbiased social perceptions

Answer

To impair communication and hinder social understanding

Question 9

Which of the following is a known limitation of social cognition that can impair effective communication between people?

Accepted Answer

Bias

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Consistency

Question 10

Which of the following is a key element of the fundamental attribution error?

Accepted Answer

Overestimating the influence of personal characteristics on others' behavior

Answer

Attributing others' behavior primarily to situational factors

Answer

Underestimating the influence of external circumstances on our own behavior

Answer

Considering both situational and personal factors when explaining behavior

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a core component of empathy?

Accepted Answer

Self-centered focus on one's own emotions

Answer

Cognitive understanding of others' perspectives

Answer

Emotional resonance with others' experiences

Answer

Ability to take the perspective of others

Question 12

Social cognition is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The study of how individuals perceive, think about, and interact with others

Answer

The study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence others

Answer

The study of how individuals and groups make decisions

Answer

The study of how individuals cope with stress and trauma

Question 13

Which topic is **not** covered in the social cognition unit?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive development

Answer

Person perception

Answer

Social influence

Answer

Attitudes and prejudice

Question 14

According to the theory of mind, individuals possess the ability to:

Accepted Answer

Understand the thoughts and feelings of others

Answer

Understand their own thoughts and feelings

Answer

Predict the behavior of others

Answer

Control their own behavior

Question 15

The process by which individuals create and modify their attitudes is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Attitudinal change

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Social influence

Answer

Persuasion

Question 16

What is NOT a key aspect of social cognition, as identified by psychologists?

Accepted Answer

Formation of habits related to physical activities

Answer

Perception of others' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

Answer

Self-awareness and self-evaluation

Answer

Decision-making in social interactions

Question 17

The tendency to attribute others' behavior to internal causes, such as personality traits or intentions, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Halo effect

Question 18

Which cognitive process involves categorizing others into simplified and easily understandable groups?

Accepted Answer

Stereotyping

Answer

Attitude formation

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Heuristics

Question 19

The tendency to overestimate the similarity between oneself and others is known as the:

Accepted Answer

False consensus effect

Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Similarity attraction

Answer

Bystander effect

Question 20

Which cognitive bias leads individuals to interpret information in a way that supports their existing beliefs and expectations?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing effect

Answer

Availability heuristic

Question 21

The process of comparing oneself to others in order to evaluate one's own abilities, beliefs, or behaviors is called:

Accepted Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Self-verification

Answer

Self-esteem

Answer

Social identity

Question 22

Which of the following is not a fundamental process in social cognition?

Accepted Answer

Emotional regulation

Answer

Selective attention

Answer

Information processing

Answer

Schematic memory

Question 23

Which cognitive bias involves a tendency to focus on negative information or expect negative outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Negativity bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Optimism bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Question 24

The process of explaining the causes of our own and others' behavior is known as:

Accepted Answer

Attribution

Answer

Justification

Answer

Rationalization

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 25

What is a key distinction between empathy and sympathy?

Accepted Answer

Empathy involves understanding and sharing another's emotions, while sympathy involves feeling sorry for them

Answer

Empathy is an emotional response, while sympathy is a cognitive process

Answer

Empathy requires direct interaction, while sympathy can be experienced from a distance

Answer

There is no difference between empathy and sympathy

Question 26

Which of the following is not a core component of social identity theory?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive consistency

Answer

Social categorization

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Social influence

Question 27

The phenomenon where individuals tend to adjust their behavior to conform to group norms, even when they disagree, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Deindividuation

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in social cognition?

Accepted Answer

Attitude inoculation

Answer

Schemas

Answer

Heuristics

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 29

What is the central route to persuasion?

Accepted Answer

A process in which people are persuaded by logical arguments and evidence-based reasoning.

Answer

A process in which people are persuaded by emotional appeals and personal anecdotes.

Answer

A process in which people are persuaded by their peers or authority figures.

Answer

A process in which people are persuaded by repeated exposure to a message.

Question 30

Define confirmation bias and critically evaluate its potential effects on our social interactions and decision-making processes.

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek and interpret information that aligns with our existing beliefs, often disregarding contradictory evidence.

Answer

Confirmation bias only affects decision-making and has no impact on social interactions.

Answer

Confirmation bias is a rational and beneficial cognitive process that enhances our decision-making abilities.

Answer

Confirmation bias exclusively affects individuals with low levels of intelligence.

Question 31

How can social cognition research impact individuals, communities, and society? Consider both its ethical concerns and potential benefits.

Accepted Answer

Enhanced understanding of social interactions and relationships.

Accepted Answer

Potential misuse for manipulation and control.

Accepted Answer

Development of interventions to address social challenges.

Answer

Limited practical applications beyond research settings.

Question 32

Which of the following is a core concept in social cognition?

Accepted Answer

Mental processes that underlie social interactions

Answer

Personality characteristics and motivations

Answer

Cognitive development in early childhood

Answer

Biological underpinnings of behavior

Question 33

According to social identity theory, individuals:

Accepted Answer

Identify with groups they belong to and compare themselves to other groups

Answer

Form impressions of others primarily based on stereotypes

Answer

Are solely influenced by their unique personal experiences

Question 34

What is the key distinction between implicit and explicit attitudes?

Accepted Answer

Implicit attitudes are automatic and不易控制, while explicit attitudes are conscious and easily expressed

Answer

Implicit attitudes are based on logical reasoning, while explicit attitudes are emotive

Question 35

Which of the following is a well-known technique aimed at reducing prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Contact hypothesis

Answer

Social comparison theory

Answer

Attribution theory

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Question 36

What is the main function of heuristics in social cognition?

Accepted Answer

Mental shortcuts that simplify complex social situations

Answer

Cognitive biases that lead to judgment errors

Answer

Strategies for improving memory recall

Question 37

Which of the following is a well-established social psychological phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Photosynthesis

Answer

Quantum entanglement

Question 38

What is the primary purpose of social categorization?

Accepted Answer

To simplify and organize the social world

Answer

To create conflict and division between groups

Answer

To foster social harmony and cooperation

Answer

To boost self-esteem and personal identity

Question 39

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration in conducting social cognition research?

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from harm and ensuring confidentiality

Answer

Using deception to obtain more accurate data

Answer

Manipulating participants' behaviour without their informed consent

Question 40

Which of the following is a fundamental aspect of social cognition?

Accepted Answer

Understanding how individuals perceive, think about, and interact with others socially

Answer

Examining the effects of culture on memory

Answer

Analyzing the neurobiological basis of emotions

Question 41

Which of the following is a key component of an attitude?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Affect (feelings and emotions)

Answer

Behavior (actions and tendencies)

Answer

Cognition (beliefs and thoughts)

Question 42

Prejudice refers to:

Accepted Answer

Unfavorable attitudes and discriminatory behaviors towards a group of people based on their shared characteristics

Answer

Actions that harm or exclude members of a particular group

Answer

Unfavorable judgments about individuals based on their personal qualities

Question 43

According to the social identity theory, people's sense of self is shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Their membership in social groups

Answer

Their comparison to others

Answer

Their personal values and beliefs

Answer

Their life experiences and achievements