SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY -- STUDY GUIDE for Test # 2

You should be able to answer the following questions:

1) Explain the theory of cognitive dissonance (including the principle of self-justification) and how it can be used to change attitudes

2) Explain the basic premise of the self-perception theory of attitude formation and change.

3) Explain the Elaboration Likelihood Model and how it can be used to influence attitude change.

4) Summarize the various factors that can lead to aggressive behavior (e.g., heredity, hormones, physiology, discomfort, stress, fear, arousal).

5) Discuss the evidence for the modeling hypothesis and how it has been shown to affect violent behavior?

6) From the social psychology literature offer a definition of "pornography" and summarize evidence that supports your definition.

7) What is the self-fulfilling prophecy? How has it been shown to lead to prejudicial beliefs?

8) How have Allport's 3 principles to reduce prejudice been shown to work? Why are they effective?

9) Explain how and why fear appeals can affect people's attitudes and behavior.

10) Describe the Theory of Reasoned Action (also known as the Theory of Planned Behavior) and how it relates to attitudes and behavior.

11) Discuss how physical attractiveness can lead to prejudice (e.g., in evaluating attributing influence attributions for success in managerial positions).

12) Explain the 3-componet model of attitudes (i.e., affect, behavior, cognitions).

13) Summarize the early research on persuasion that focused on the following three factors: a) who delivered the message, b) the content of the message, and c) who received the message (the audience).

14) Describe studies that have found biases due to gender and race (e.g., on performance evaluations, ability, labeling of violent behavior).