Gen Psych Lectures/Social Psychology SCC

* Definition-a branch of psychology that studies how a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior are influenced by the presence of other people and by the social and physical environment.

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*Self serving bias *Physical attraction *Altruism

Social Psychology Self Serving Bias Definition-the tendency to perceive oneself favorably Do you know people who see themselves as a “great person” even though their actions indicate they are not?

* • People accept credit when told they succeeded-I earned that “A” from really studying! • People attribute failure to external forces-wow, those questions were tough, I have bad luck! • During divorces people typically blame their partners for the break-up. –Question: Don’t we all maintain our positive self images by associating ourselves with successes and distancing ourselves from our failures.

* •Example-”I earned an “A” in that class

because I worked hard, read the book and studied” •Example-”The professor gave me a “D” on the class, I just had some bad breaks in class” •We even deny we use self serving bias but say that other people always use this!

* • People perceive themselves as more intelligent,

better looking and less prejudiced that the average person. • Most drivers, even those hospitalized for traffic accidents, believe themselves to be safer and more skilled than the average driver. • Some people use “unrealistic optimism” to justify behavior-”I know that over 50% of those under 25 years old who get married will get divorced but I know my marriage will be an enduring joy!”

* *What do we seek in a potential date?

Sincerity? Humor? Hot body? Intelligent? Question: What do you seek? *Can you judge a book by its cover? *Appearance does matter!!! A woman’s physical attractiveness is a good predictor of how often she dates. Same is for men!

* *Matching phenomenon-people often approach

someone whose attractiveness roughly matches (or not too greatly) exceeds their own attractiveness.

*Physical attractiveness stereotype-what is

beautiful is good! We learn this as children through stories such as: Snow White & Cinderella. Both were beautiful and kind. The wicked people were ugly!

* Evolution and Attractiveness-this approach explains human preference to reproductive strategy.

**Attractive women tend to marry high status

males who either have fame or fortune. Men try to attain fame and/or fortune if they lack equal or greater attractiveness.

**When women are ovulating they tend to wear more revealing outfits!

**Ovulating lap dancers double their average tips from $35 to $70 an hour. Why?

* *Definition-a motive to increase another’s

welfare without conscious regard for one’s self interest.

*Question-do you give to charity?

Donate your time or money to help others? Stop and help others on the street or at work?

*The bystander effect-people are less likely to provide help when there are other bystanders. *Question: Have you ever stopped and helped others in need?

* • Social Exchange Theory-we help others after doing a

cost-benefit analysis. Helpers aim to maximize their rewards and minimize their costs. • Reciprocity norm-this theory states that we should return help to help those who have helped us. • Question-do you feel awkward or even obligated to buy a gift for someone during the holidays if they give you a gift first?

* Helping others increases if:

*We are not in a hurry *There are few other bystanders *The victim is similar to us *The victim appears to need help *We are located in a small town or rural area *We are in a good mood *We feel guilty for not helping *We are deeply religious

* *We all use self-serving bias on occasion to feel better about ourselves.

* What we find attractive today, may become unattractive tomorrow. Maybe we all should look closer into what is in each others hearts and souls, appearances can be deceiving.

*Is there true altruism or do we do good deeds to make ourselves feel better? In the end, maybe everyone wins, maybe both of us feel better?