$$\text{Behavior} = \text{Person} + \text{Situation}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the 'fundamental attribution error' in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

The tendency to attribute other people's behavior to their personality while underestimating situational influences.

Question 2

A student fails an exam and their classmate thinks, 'They must be lazy.' According to attribution theory, what type of attribution is this?

Accepted Answer

Internal attribution

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates the actor-observer bias?

Accepted Answer

Explaining your own rude behavior as stress-related, but seeing others' rudeness as a personality flaw.

Question 4

According to the need-to-belong theory, what is a likely consequence of prolonged social isolation?

Accepted Answer

Increased anxiety and abnormal eating behaviors

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of upward social comparison?

Accepted Answer

Comparing yourself to someone who is more successful to inspire motivation.

Question 6

What is the main difference between social norms and social roles?

Accepted Answer

Social norms are unwritten guidelines for behavior in general contexts, while social roles are guidelines for specific positions within a group.

Question 7

Which compliance technique involves starting with a small request and then following up with a larger one?

Accepted Answer

Foot-in-the-door technique

Question 8

In the context of group decision-making, what is groupthink most likely to result in?

Accepted Answer

Unanimity and suppression of dissenting opinions

Question 9

Which historical event is commonly used to illustrate the dangers of obedience to authority in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

The Milgram Experiment

Question 10

A person donates to charity after being asked to sign a petition supporting the cause. Which compliance technique does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Foot-in-the-door technique

Question 11

Which of the following best describes deindividuation?

Accepted Answer

The loss of a person's sense of individuality and reduction of normal constraints against deviant behavior.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a factor that increases conformity according to Asch's research?

Accepted Answer

Responses being made privately

Question 13

The just-world hypothesis can lead to which problematic social outcome?

Accepted Answer

Victim blaming

Question 14

Which scenario best illustrates the door-in-the-face technique?

Accepted Answer

A salesperson offers a high-priced item first, then offers a lower-priced alternative when refused.

Question 15

Which of the following is a real-world example of deindividuation?

Accepted Answer

A person acting aggressively in a large, anonymous crowd.

Question 16

Which of the following equations best represents the process of attribution in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Behavior} = 	ext{Person} + 	ext{Situation}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is most likely to reduce obedience in the Milgram paradigm?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the distance between the teacher and the experimenter

Question 18

A group of people make a poor decision because they prioritize agreement over critical thinking. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Question 19

Which of the following best illustrates the low-ball technique?

Accepted Answer

A car dealer offers a low price, then adds extra fees after the customer agrees.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely consequence of ostracism?

Accepted Answer

Increased aggression and distress

Social Psychology: Influence, Attribution, and Group Dynamics

Study Guide - Practice Questions