Social Psychology Quizzes: Test Your Understanding

Question 1

Social cognition helps us understand human behavior, but it also has limitations. How can we use social cognition to both understand and overcome its limitations?

Accepted Answer

Use social cognition to understand its own limitations and develop strategies to overcome them.

Answer

Ignore social cognition's limitations and focus only on its strengths.

Answer

Understand the limitations of social cognition but assume we cannot overcome them.

Question 2

According to the elaboration likelihood model, how does thinking carefully about a persuasive message affect attitude change?

Accepted Answer

It makes attitude change more likely.

Answer

It makes attitude change less likely.

Answer

It has no effect on attitude change.

Answer

It depends on the message's emotional content.

Question 3

How can a retail store apply social psychological principles to increase sales? Provide specific examples of these principles in action.

Accepted Answer

Creating a welcoming atmosphere with calming music to improve customers' moods and receptiveness.

Accepted Answer

Implementing a referral program that rewards customers for bringing in new clients.

Answer

Displaying products in a haphazard and disorganized manner to overwhelm customers with choices.

Answer

Hiring knowledgeable staff who lack interpersonal skills and friendliness.

Question 4

Which approach is most effective in reducing prejudice?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive approach that combines individual-level and societal-level interventions

Answer

Education and contact theory only

Answer

Legislation and punitive measures only

Answer

Changing individual attitudes only

Question 5

In social psychology research, informed consent is vital to ensure participants make informed decisions about their involvement. What are its key components?

Accepted Answer

Participants must be fully informed about the study's aims.

Answer

Participants must be compensated for their participation.

Answer

Consent can be assumed based on a researcher's behavior.

Question 6

In social psychology research, which ethical principle is essential?

Accepted Answer

Participants must be fully informed and give consent before participating.

Answer

Deception is acceptable to prevent participants from influencing results.

Answer

Researchers can disregard the confidentiality of participants' responses.

Question 7

How does social identity influence our social behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social identity can have both positive and negative effects on social behavior.

Answer

Social identity has a minimal impact on social behavior, as individual personalities primarily drive behavior.

Answer

Social identity is a fixed and unchanging aspect of the self that cannot be altered.

Answer

Social identity is only relevant to individuals belonging to minority groups.

Question 8

What key feature distinguishes social psychology from other fields like sociology or economics?

Accepted Answer

Social psychology examines how social factors affect our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Answer

Social psychology focuses only on the impact of society, not individual factors.

Answer

Social psychology's main focus is on how groups work together.

Answer

Social psychology uses only qualitative methods, like interviews and observations.

Question 9

Which concept is fundamental to understanding how social factors influence our behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social norms

Answer

Attribution theory

Answer

Social identity theory

Answer

Conformity

Question 10

How do social psychology, sociology, economics, and neuroscience complement each other in providing a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena?

Accepted Answer

Social psychology, sociology, economics, and neuroscience are interconnected disciplines that provide complementary perspectives on social phenomena.

Answer

Social psychology is independent of other disciplines and solely focuses on individual factors.

Answer

Social psychology primarily relies on sociology for understanding social behavior.

Answer

Social psychology's focus on attitudes and behaviors limits its ability to fully understand social phenomena.

Question 11

Social cognition plays a vital role in shaping our perception of the social world. Explain how social cognition helps us understand and make sense of social situations.

Accepted Answer

Social cognition allows us to interpret ambiguous social cues and comprehend the actions of others.

Answer

Social cognition is restricted to perceiving physical signals and does not affect our social judgments.

Answer

Social cognition is only applicable in certain social interactions and has no broader influence on our social perception.

Question 12

Which interventions are most effective in promoting diversity and inclusivity within group settings, considering the potential challenges and constraints?

Accepted Answer

Interventions focused on the group level, such as promoting intergroup contact and collaboration

Answer

Interventions focused on changing individual attitudes

Answer

Interventions focused solely on reducing prejudice and discrimination

Answer

Interventions are unnecessary in modern society due to the absence of prejudice and discrimination

Question 13

How do cultural norms, values, and beliefs shape our social behavior?

Accepted Answer

Cultural norms, values, and beliefs subtly yet profoundly impact our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Answer

Cultural influences are mainly limited to language and customs.

Answer

Individuals are largely unaffected by cultural influences and can easily behave independently of their cultural norms.

Answer

Culture has no significant impact on social behavior.

Question 14

What is the term for the biased tendency to believe that our own achievements are due to our abilities, while attributing our failures to external factors?

Accepted Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Answer

Attribution theory

Question 15

Which group process is characterized by an increase in the extremity and consensus of group members' opinions when faced with opposing views?

Accepted Answer

Group polarization

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Social loafing

Question 16

According to the elaboration likelihood model, which route to persuasion involves a careful examination and evaluation of the message's arguments?

Accepted Answer

Central route

Answer

Peripheral route

Answer

Cognitive dissonance route

Answer

Attitude inoculation route

Question 17

What is the term for the process by which we adopt the beliefs of others as our own, often due to their perceived expertise or trustworthiness?

Accepted Answer

Informational social influence

Answer

Social reinforcement

Answer

Normative social influence

Answer

Obedience

Question 18

What is the cognitive process by which we organize and categorize information?

Accepted Answer

Schemata

Answer

Heuristics

Answer

Stereotypes

Answer

Priming

Question 19

What is the term for the social role we play to conform to the expectations and norms of our social groups?

Accepted Answer

Self-presentation

Answer

Self-concept

Answer

Social identity

Answer

Attribution

Question 20

Which of the following is a key concept in social cognition, referring to how individuals form and process their understanding of the social world, including their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Attitude formation

Answer

Group dynamics

Answer

Persuasion

Answer

Social comparison

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor that influences the formation and change of attitudes?

Accepted Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Personal experience

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Self-concept

Question 22

The process by which individuals align their attitudes and beliefs to match those of others, even if they do not initially agree, is known as:

Accepted Answer

Conformity

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Group polarization

Question 23

The phenomenon where individuals in a group tend to adopt more extreme views than they would if they were alone is known as:

Accepted Answer

Group polarization

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Social loafing

Question 24

The tendency for individuals to behave cooperatively and help others, even if there is no obvious benefit to themselves, is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Altruism

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Social loafing

Question 25

The process by which we conform to group norms in order to avoid rejection is called:

Accepted Answer

Normative influence

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Social loafing

Answer

Groupthink

Question 26

The tendency to believe that we are less likely to experience negative events than others is known as:

Accepted Answer

Optimism bias

Answer

False consensus effect

Answer

Actor-observer bias

Answer

Illusion of control

Question 27

The tendency for people to perform better on a task when they are being observed is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Social loafing

Answer

Bystander effect

Answer

Groupthink

Question 28

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, which type of processing leads to more lasting changes in attitude?

Accepted Answer

Central route

Answer

Peripheral route

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Social comparison

Question 29

Which key characteristic is associated with groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Strong sense of conformity and pressure to agree

Answer

Enhanced creativity and critical thinking

Answer

Diverse perspectives and open discussion

Answer

Efficient decision-making without considering all options

Question 30

Which research method is most appropriate for studying the influence of social norms on behavior in a natural setting?

Accepted Answer

Observational study in a real-world environment

Answer

Experiment in a controlled laboratory

Answer

Interview with individuals about their behaviors and beliefs

Answer

Case study of a specific group or individual

Question 31

According to social identity theory, how do individuals primarily define themselves?

Accepted Answer

Their membership in various groups, such as family or nationality

Answer

Their unique personality traits and preferences

Answer

Their social roles, such as student or parent

Answer

Their cultural background and ethnicity

Question 32

Which common cognitive bias can lead to inaccurate judgments due to selective attention and interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Illusion of control bias

Question 33

What is a key difference between explicit and implicit attitudes?

Accepted Answer

Explicit attitudes are consciously accessible, while implicit attitudes are not.

Answer

Implicit attitudes influence behavior more strongly than explicit attitudes.

Answer

Explicit attitudes are more easily changed than implicit attitudes.

Answer

Implicit attitudes are always positive, while explicit attitudes can be negative or positive.

Question 34

How does social facilitation typically affect performance on complex tasks?

Accepted Answer

It impairs performance for low-skilled individuals and improves performance for high-skilled individuals.

Answer

It improves performance for both high- and low-skilled individuals.

Answer

It impairs performance for both high- and low-skilled individuals.

Answer

It has no significant effect on performance.

Question 35

Which theory proposes that attitudes are formed through a process of learning and reinforcement?

Accepted Answer

Social learning theory

Answer

Theory of Reasoned Action

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer

Social identity theory

Question 36

Which type of group emphasises formal roles, rules, and procedures?

Accepted Answer

Secondary group

Answer

In-group

Answer

Out-group

Answer

Primary group

Question 37

What is the process by which individuals adopt the beliefs and values of their social group?

Accepted Answer

Socialisation

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Groupthink

Question 38

What is the tendency for individuals to perceive ambiguous information in a way that confirms their existing beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability bias

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Question 39

Which type of social influence occurs when individuals change their behaviour to fit in with the group?

Accepted Answer

Conformity

Answer

Normative influence

Answer

Informational influence

Answer

Obedience

Question 40

What is the process by which individuals construct a sense of self and identity through their interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Socialisation

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Self-categorisation

Answer

Interpersonal communication

Question 41

What is the tendency for individuals to take credit for positive outcomes and blame external factors for negative outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Answer

Availability bias

Answer

Confirmation bias

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

Biological processes

Answer

Schemas

Answer

Attitudes

Answer

Priming

Question 43

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, when an individual is highly motivated and attentive to information, they are more likely to form:

Accepted Answer

Central attitudes

Answer

Peripheral attitudes

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Implicit biases

Question 44

Which of the following is an example of normative influence?

Accepted Answer

Changing one's behavior to match the group's behavior to avoid social rejection

Answer

Adopting the group's values and beliefs as one's own

Answer

Resisting group pressure to maintain one's independence

Answer

Seeking approval from others to gain acceptance

Question 45

Social facilitation is most likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

The task is simple and familiar

Answer

The task is complex and requires careful attention

Answer

The presence of others is seen as threatening or intimidating

Answer

The group is composed of highly skilled individuals

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential benefit of social loafing?

Accepted Answer

Reduced feelings of personal responsibility

Answer

Increased productivity and efficiency

Answer

Enhanced creativity and innovation

Answer

Improved decision-making

Question 47

The tendency to attribute our own failures to external factors while attributing the successes of others to their own abilities is known as:

Accepted Answer

Self-serving bias

Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Answer

Actor-observer bias

Answer

Halo effect

Question 48

Which of the following factors is most likely to reduce prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Contact with diverse groups under positive conditions

Answer

Competition for scarce resources

Answer

Social categorization based on group membership

Answer

Unequal status between groups

Question 49

Which of the following is a characteristic of a collectivist culture?

Accepted Answer

Strong sense of community and interdependence

Answer

Emphasis on individual achievement and self-reliance

Answer

Low power distance between authority figures and subordinates

Answer

Direct and confrontational communication style

Question 50

The phenomenon where group members become more extreme in their views after discussing the issue together is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Social polarization

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Group cohesiveness

Question 51

How do social factors related to social class influence health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Social class influences health outcomes through social factors that impact access to resources, education, and social support.

Answer

Social class primarily influences health outcomes through differences in genetic predisposition.

Answer

Social class affects health outcomes solely through individual choices and behaviors.

Question 52

How do stereotypes and prejudices arise and continue to exist, and what are their potential effects on individuals and society?

Accepted Answer

Stereotypes and prejudices can result in discrimination, which has significant negative consequences for individuals and society.

Answer

Stereotypes and prejudices mainly stem from negative personal encounters with individuals from different groups.

Answer

Stereotypes and prejudices are generally unavoidable and unchangeable elements of human thinking.

Answer

Stereotypes and prejudices are primarily advantageous because they aid in our categorization and comprehension of the social world.

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a core determinant of social identity?

Accepted Answer

Individual traits and abilities

Answer

Membership in a group

Answer

Comparison to other groups

Answer

Perception of uniqueness

Question 54

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, people are more likely to be influenced by messages that:

Accepted Answer

Are relevant to their values and beliefs

Answer

Are presented in a highly persuasive manner

Answer

Are presented repeatedly

Answer

Are presented by a credible source

Question 55

What is the main idea behind the concept of cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

People strive to maintain consistency between their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors

Answer

People tend to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs

Answer

People have a fundamental need to be right and avoid uncertainty

Answer

People's actions are always driven by rational motives

Question 56

Which type of attitude is often formed through direct experience and emotional responses?

Accepted Answer

Implicit attitude

Answer

Explicit attitude

Answer

Behavioral attitude

Answer

Cognitive attitude

Question 57

According to social identity theory, what is a primary goal of group membership?

Accepted Answer

To enhance self-esteem, belonging, and social identity

Answer

To gain access to resources and benefits

Answer

To meet social needs and fulfill social roles

Answer

To reduce uncertainty and gain a sense of stability

Question 58

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can contribute to groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Diversity of viewpoints and open discussion

Answer

Strong group cohesiveness

Answer

Isolation from outside perspectives

Answer

External pressure to conform

Question 59

According to the Elaboration Likelihood Model, which route to persuasion involves deeper cognitive processing?

Accepted Answer

Central route

Answer

Peripheral route

Answer

Attitude route

Answer

Heuristic route

Question 60

The tendency for individuals to conform to majority opinions is known as:

Accepted Answer

Normative social influence

Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Social loafing

Question 61

Which of these is a characteristic of effective leaders in group settings?

Accepted Answer

Open-minded and supportive

Answer

Charismatic and dominant

Answer

Task-oriented and authoritarian

Answer

Conflict-avoiding and submissive

Question 62

How do biased social media algorithms influence our understanding of the world and shape our beliefs and actions?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms reinforce our existing beliefs, leading to confirmation bias and extreme views.

Accepted Answer

Algorithms create echo chambers, limiting our exposure to different ideas and opinions.

Answer

Algorithms encourage critical thinking and open-mindedness.

Answer

Algorithms have little impact on our perception of reality and the formation of our beliefs and actions.

Question 63

In social psychology, which concept focuses on how we explain the behavior of others?

Accepted Answer

Attribution

Answer

Diffusion

Answer

Genetic determinism

Question 64

In social psychology research, which ethical concern is paramount when psychologists use big data?

Accepted Answer

Privacy

Answer

Resource Allocation

Answer

Data Precision

Answer

Data Interpretation