Question 1

What is a theoretical perspective, and how is it different from a theory? Using an example from the text, explain how a social psychologist's theoretical perspective might relate to their choice of research topic or methodological approach.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a theoretical perspective, and how...

Question 2

The most common critique of the evolutionary perspective is that those working in this tradition rely on circular reasoning.

Accepted Answer

Critics argue that evolutionary theorists often make assumptions based on the observations they are trying to explain, which leads to circular reasoning.

Question 3

The definition of social psychology contains three main components.Identify and briefly explain, in your own words, each component.

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The answer of The definition of social psychology contains three...

Question 4

Over time, the interests of sociological social psychologists and psychological social psychologists have diverged somewhat.How do these two groups of investigators differ in their methodological approach? How do they differ in regards to their primary areas of inquiry? Despite these differences, how might sociological and psychological approaches to social psychology complement one another?

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Question 5

"Student" and "member of the orchestra" are both role identities.

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The answer of "Student" and "member of the orchestra" are...

Question 6

Cognitive theory argues that cognitive processes intervene between external stimuli and behavioral responses.

Accepted Answer

Cognitive theory emphasizes the role of internal mental processes, such as perception, attention, memory, and reasoning, in interpreting and responding to external stimuli. These cognitive processes mediate the relationship between the environment and behavior.

Question 7

The idea that frustration leads to aggression is an example of a middle-range theory.

Accepted Answer

Middle-range theories are specific enough to guide research and explain phenomena in a particular area but not as broad as grand theories that attempt to explain all aspects of human behavior. The theory that frustration leads to aggression is an example of a middle-range theory in the field of social psychology.

Question 8

In order for a relationship to have equity, both parties must experience the same amount of rewards and costs.

Accepted Answer

Equity refers to a balance of rewards and costs in a relationship, but it doesn't necessarily mean that both parties will experience the same exact amount of rewards and costs. Instead, it's about achieving a fair and proportional balance. For example, one partner may contribute more financially while the other contributes more in terms of emotional support, and this can still be considered equitable if both partners feel satisfied with the overall balance.

Question 9

One drawback of cognitive phenomena is that we must infer them from what people say and do, which makes it difficult to conduct definitive tests of theoretical predictions from cognitive theory.However, recent methodological advances are beginning to make direct observation of cognitive phenomena possible.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes a drawback of cognitive phenomena and highlights recent methodological advances that are improving the ability to conduct tests of theoretical predictions.

Question 10

The ability to think critically is rooted in our biology; some are very skilled at it, while others are not.It cannot be acquired.

Accepted Answer

While our biology may play a role in how easily we can develop critical thinking skills, it is not solely responsible for our ability to think critically. Critical thinking can be developed and improved through practice and education.

Question 11

Think of a social behavior such as altruism, crime, conformity, or marriage.Select two of the five social psychological perspectives presented in Chapter One, and explain how a social psychologist working within each perspective might think about the chosen behavior.

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The answer of Think of a social behavior such as...

Question 12

A social psychologist interested in how common stereotypes associated with gender influence judgments about a job applicant's appropriateness for a job would likely draw on the cognitive perspective in their research.

Accepted Answer

The cognitive perspective in social psychology focuses on how people process, store, and manipulate information, including stereotypes and their effects on judgments and decision-making processes. Therefore, a social psychologist studying how gender stereotypes influence job applicant judgments would likely draw on the cognitive perspective.

Question 13

Situated self is an individual's ability to engage in self-perception, self-evaluation, and self-control.

Accepted Answer

Situated self refers to the concept that an individual's sense of self is shaped by their social and environmental context, rather than an ability to engage in self-perception, self-evaluation, and self-control.

Question 14

Theoretical perspectives offer explanations for a set of observed social phenomena.

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The answer of Theoretical perspectives offer explanations for a set...

Question 15

Social psychologists have five core concerns.Identify and give examples for three of the five concerns.

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The answer of Social psychologists have five core concerns.Identify and...

Quiz 1: Introduction to Social Psychology