Social Psychology

Social Psychology 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.

Self serving bias • Physical attraction • Altruism Three areas in social psychology we will cover

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. Self Serving Bias

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! Self Serving Bias

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!” Facts on Self Serving Bias

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! Social Psychology and Physical Attractiveness

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! Social Psychology and Physical Attractiveness

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? Social Psychology and Physical Attractiveness

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 Psychology and Altruism

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? Social Psychology and Altruism

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 Social Psychology and Altruism

We all use self-serving bias on occasion to feel better about ourselves. • What we find attractive today, may become un-attractive 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? In Conclusion

Social Psychology