Social Psychology: Understanding Social Influence on Behavior

Question 1

In social psychology, which principle highlights the impact of social forces, like societal expectations and cultural norms, on our thoughts and actions?

Accepted Answer

Social determinism

Answer

Individualism

Answer

Behavioral economics

Answer

Evolutionary psychology

Question 2

What is a key characteristic that sets social psychology apart from other fields of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the impact of social context on thoughts, feelings, and actions

Answer

Focus on biological influences on behavior

Answer

Exclusive study of human behavior

Answer

Use of only qualitative research methods

Question 3

Which concept lies outside the primary focus of social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive development

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Group dynamics

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental concept in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary psychology

Answer

Social influence

Answer

Social cognition

Answer

Group dynamics

Question 5

In social psychology, which factor is crucial in determining individuals' obedience to authority figures?

Accepted Answer

Expertise and perceived authority of the authority figure

Answer

Social norms and group dynamics

Answer

Personal beliefs and values of the individual

Answer

Group pressure and conformity to majority opinions

Question 6

What sets social psychology apart from other areas of psychology?

Accepted Answer

Examines the effects of social situations on individual behavior

Answer

Relies exclusively on qualitative research methods

Answer

Focuses primarily on the influence of genetics on social interactions

Answer

Has limited practical applications

Question 7

Which of the following is believed to contribute to the development of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Fear of economic competition

Accepted Answer

Media representations of different groups

Answer

Positive interactions between groups

Answer

Biological differences between groups

Question 8

Which concept lies at the heart of social psychology, focusing on how external factors shape individual behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social influence

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Developmental psychology

Answer

Social stratification

Question 9

Which concept is NOT considered a core foundation of social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Altruism

Answer

Social influence

Answer

Group dynamics

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 10

Which factor is LEAST likely to make someone conform to social pressure?

Accepted Answer

Personal beliefs and values

Answer

Group size

Answer

Unanimity (everyone agreeing)

Answer

Cultural norms and expectations

Question 11

What is a potential long-term effect of prejudice and discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Increased social isolation

Answer

Improved mental health

Question 12

How do social norms impact conformity in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Social norms serve as unspoken rules that shape behavior, influencing individuals' choices and actions in conformity situations.

Answer

Social norms have no bearing on conformity.

Answer

Social norms only promote positive behaviors, leading to conformity.

Question 13

Which of the following is a potential drawback of altruism?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of exploitation by others

Answer

Increased sense of purpose and meaning

Answer

Reduced stress levels

Answer

Enhanced physical health

Question 14

Which of the following is a key characteristic of social influence?

Accepted Answer

It involves both direct and indirect channels.

Answer

It is always an intentional process.

Answer

It has no effect on our thoughts and behaviors.

Answer

It is a one-way process.

Question 15

Which research-backed approach has been shown to be most effective in reducing prejudice and fostering positive relationships between different social groups?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging contact and collaboration between different groups

Answer

Enacting strict laws to penalize discriminatory behavior

Answer

Educating people about the harmful effects of prejudice and discrimination

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor that influences social influence?

Accepted Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Culture

Answer

Power and status differences

Question 17

To investigate factors influencing conformity, which research design is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Experimental study manipulating social pressure and measuring conformity

Answer

Correlational study linking conformity to personality traits

Answer

Observational study recording conformity in social settings

Answer

Case study examining conformity behavior of a single individual

Question 18

How does social comparison shape our self-concept and relationships?

Accepted Answer

Social comparison significantly influences our self-perception and interactions.

Answer

Social comparison always boosts our self-esteem.

Answer

We only compare ourselves to people very different from us.

Answer

Social comparison has no effect on how we view others.

Question 19

In social psychology research, which ethical consideration is crucial for researchers to prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants from potential harm

Accepted Answer

Avoiding deceptive practices during the research

Answer

Providing financial compensation to participants

Question 20

Which factor plays the most significant role in determining the applicability of social psychology theories and principles across different cultures?

Accepted Answer

Collectivism-individualism dimension

Answer

Level of economic development

Answer

Prevalence of social media

Answer

Geographic location

Question 21

The bystander effect refers to:

Accepted Answer

A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in distress when others are present.

Answer

A phenomenon where individuals are more likely to help someone in distress when others are present.

Answer

A phenomenon where individuals are more likely to help someone in distress when they are alone.

Answer

A phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in distress when they are alone.

Question 22

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies conformity?

Accepted Answer

Changing one's behavior to align with the majority's actions

Answer

Following instructions from an authority figure

Answer

Holding unfavorable views towards a particular group

Answer

Experiencing negative emotions towards a minority group

Question 23

Which of the following is known to be an effective strategy for reducing prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Increasing opportunities for positive interactions between different groups

Answer

Reinforcing stereotypes and categorizations

Answer

Limiting media exposure to diverse perspectives

Answer

Encouraging economic competition between groups

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a major topic covered in the Social Psychology unit?

Accepted Answer

Social Neuroscience

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Prejudice

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences conformity?

Accepted Answer

Self-confidence

Answer

Group size

Answer

Unanimity

Answer

Task difficulty

Question 26

The tendency to perceive our own group as superior to others is known as:

Accepted Answer

Ingroup bias

Answer

Outgroup homogeneity

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Answer

Fundamental attribution error

Question 27

How does social identity theory explain the development of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Individuals favor their own social group over others to enhance their self-esteem.

Answer

Prejudice is primarily learned from parents and peers.

Answer

Prejudice is primarily a result of genetic predispositions.

Answer

Prejudice is based solely on rational decision-making.

Question 28

How does social facilitation typically impact individual performance?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced performance on simple, well-learned tasks.

Answer

Impaired performance on complex, demanding tasks.

Answer

Improved performance only for extroverted individuals.

Answer

Diminished performance only for introverted individuals.

Question 29

How does cognitive dissonance influence an individual's behavior?

Accepted Answer

It motivates individuals to reduce inconsistencies between their beliefs and actions.

Answer

It leads to increased emotional distress without behavior change.

Answer

It impairs decision-making abilities regardless of the situation.

Answer

It has no discernible impact on behavior.

Question 30

The Milgram obedience experiments concluded that:

Accepted Answer

A substantial majority of participants obeyed the experimenter's instructions to administer potentially harmful shocks.

Answer

Most participants refused to obey the experimenter's instructions.

Answer

Obedience decreased as the level of shock increased.

Question 31

Which of the following is a key characteristic of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

It is an unjustifiable and negative attitude towards a particular group of people.

Answer

It is always based on personal experience.

Answer

It can be positive or negative.

Question 32

The self-serving bias is a cognitive distortion that leads us to:

Accepted Answer

Attribute our successes to our own abilities and our failures to external factors.

Answer

Accurately evaluate our strengths and weaknesses.

Answer

Attribute our failures to our own shortcomings and our successes to external factors.

Question 33

Social facilitation refers to:

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon in which our performance on a task is improved when others are present.

Answer

The tendency to help others when they are in need.

Answer

The tendency to conform to others' opinions.

Answer

The decrease in performance when we are being observed.

Question 34

According to social identity theory, individuals:

Accepted Answer

Strive to maintain a positive self-concept by identifying with social groups that provide them with a sense of belonging.

Answer

Prefer to interact with people who are different from themselves.

Answer

Are solely motivated by the desire for personal gain.

Question 35

The bystander effect is the phenomenon that describes:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for people to be less likely to help someone in need when there are other people present.

Answer

The tendency for people to conform to the behavior of the majority.

Answer

The tendency for people to be more helpful when they are part of a group.

Question 36

Social psychology research on physical attractiveness has found that:

Accepted Answer

It can influence our perceptions of others, including their intelligence and trustworthiness.

Answer

It has no impact on how we interact with others.

Answer

It is the most important factor in determining who we choose as romantic partners.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of prosocial behavior?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily motivated by a desire for personal gain.

Answer

It is typically influenced by social norms and values.

Answer

It often involves putting the needs of others before our own.

Answer

It can take various forms, such as helping, sharing, and cooperating.

Question 38

Intergroup conflict is most likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

Groups perceive that they have competing goals and limited resources.

Answer

Groups are physically separated.

Answer

Groups have equal levels of power and status.

Answer

Groups have different cultural backgrounds and values.

Question 39

In social psychology, which term describes the inclination to adhere to group standards and expectations?

Accepted Answer

Conformity

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Submission

Question 40

According to social identity theory, which factor plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of ourselves?

Accepted Answer

Social group membership

Answer

Personal beliefs

Answer

Educational background

Answer

Cultural upbringing

Question 41

Which factor contributes to the phenomenon known as groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Limited exposure to dissenting opinions

Answer

Diverse perspectives

Answer

Strong leadership

Answer

Elevated stress levels

Question 42

The bystander effect suggests that in an emergency situation:

Accepted Answer

Witnessing the presence of others may diminish an individual's likelihood of intervening.

Answer

Women are more likely to provide assistance than men.

Answer

Personal relationships with the victim increase the probability of intervention.

Question 43

In social psychology research, which technique allows researchers to study the impact of external variables on behavior in real-world settings?

Accepted Answer

Field experiment

Answer

Laboratory experiment

Answer

Case study

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 44

Cognitive dissonance refers to the psychological discomfort experienced when:

Accepted Answer

Our beliefs conflict with our actions or behaviors.

Answer

We face pressure to conform to social norms.

Answer

We seek confirmation of our existing beliefs.

Question 45

In the context of social psychology, which concept describes the phenomenon where individuals perform better on simple tasks in the presence of others?

Accepted Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Social loafing

Question 46

Which of the following is an example of conformity?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting one's opinion to align with the majority's view

Answer

Asserting one's beliefs despite disapproval

Answer

Avoiding a discussion to prevent conflict

Question 47

Which element is central to the definition of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Unfavorable attitudes towards a particular group based on preconceived notions

Answer

Positive beliefs about one's own group

Answer

Neutral feelings towards different groups

Answer

Fear of unfamiliar or unknown people

Question 48

How do stereotypes contribute to discrimination?

Accepted Answer

They foster inaccurate assumptions and expectations, leading to biased treatment

Answer

They are shaped by media representations and cultural narratives

Answer

They promote accurate knowledge and understanding

Answer

They reflect personal experiences and interactions

Question 49

Which of the following is a potential benefit of group membership?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced sense of belonging and shared identity

Answer

Reduced opportunities for personal growth

Answer

Difficulty in maintaining individual autonomy

Answer

Increased social isolation and loneliness

Question 50

According to social identity theory, individuals tend to:

Accepted Answer

Identify with groups that align with their self-concept

Answer

Avoid groups that challenge their existing beliefs

Answer

Join groups solely for social benefits and connections

Question 51

Social facilitation refers to:

Accepted Answer

Improved performance on simple tasks when others are present

Answer

Increased cooperation and collaboration among group members

Answer

Decreased performance on complex tasks due to audience anxiety

Question 52

According to attribution theory, people generally attribute the behavior of others to:

Accepted Answer

Both internal (personality) and external (situational) factors

Answer

Internal factors (personality) only

Answer

External factors (situation) only

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly influences conformity?

Accepted Answer

Individual personality traits

Answer

Group size

Answer

Culture

Answer

Group unanimity

Question 54

Identify a key attribute of prejudice.

Accepted Answer

Negative attitudes towards a specific group

Answer

Positive stereotypes

Answer

Cognitive distortions

Answer

Neutral beliefs

Question 55

Explain the distinction between explicit and implicit prejudice.

Accepted Answer

Explicit prejudice is conscious and intentional, whereas implicit prejudice is subconscious and automatic.

Answer

Implicit prejudice is stronger than explicit prejudice.

Question 56

Which situation exemplifies social facilitation?

Accepted Answer

Performing a task better when in the presence of others

Answer

Performing a task worse when in the presence of others

Answer

Experiencing increased anxiety when in the presence of others

Question 57

Describe the bystander effect.

Accepted Answer

The reduced likelihood of individuals intervening in an emergency situation when others are present.

Answer

The increased likelihood of individuals intervening in an emergency situation when others are present.

Question 58

Which cognitive bias contributes to the formation of prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Hindsight bias

Answer

Framing effect

Question 59

Explain the role of social identity in intergroup conflict.

Accepted Answer

It can intensify in-group favoritism and out-group hostility.

Answer

It has a negligible impact on intergroup conflict.

Answer

It can reduce in-group favoritism and out-group hostility.

Question 60

Identify a strategy used for reducing prejudice.

Accepted Answer

Contact theory

Answer

Avoidance theory

Answer

Social identity theory

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Question 61

Explain the fundamental difference between social psychology and individual psychology.

Accepted Answer

Social psychology focuses on social factors shaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while individual psychology focuses on intrapersonal factors.

Answer

Social psychology is more scientific than individual psychology.

Question 62

What is a key principle in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Social behavior is influenced by both individual and social factors.

Answer

Social behavior is solely determined by social factors.

Answer

Social behavior is solely determined by individual factors.

Question 63

Conformity is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Adjusting one's behavior or beliefs to align with a group's norms.

Answer

Resisting the influence of a group.

Answer

Influencing the behavior or beliefs of a group.

Question 64

In which scenario is obedience to authority most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The authority figure is perceived as legitimate and trustworthy.

Answer

The individual has a close relationship with the authority figure.

Answer

The individual is aware of the consequences of disobedience.

Answer

The individual is under pressure to conform.