Social Psych: Module 33 Social Relations: Attraction Three key ingredients to attraction: Proximity Physical attractiveness Similarity

Proximity: Mere Exposure Effect The phenomenon that repeated exposure to novel stimuli increases liking of them

Physical Attractiveness Positive first impressions are correlated with the attractiveness of the person Attractive people are judged to be happier, healthier, more successful, etc. Physical attractiveness is highly determined by culture

Similarity People are reluctant to include dissimilar people in their group of friends. Close friends usually share interests, attitudes, age, intelligence level, and economic status.

Romantic love: Passionate Love An aroused state of intense positive absorption in another, usually present at the beginning of a love relationship

Romantic love: Companionate Love The deep affectionate attachment we feel for those with whom our lives are intertwined Two important factors: 1. Equity & 2. Self-disclosure

Equity A condition in which people contribute and receive at about the same rate in a relationship Couples share in decision making and possessions Freely give and receive emotional support

Self-Disclosure Revealing intimate aspects of oneself to others Include likes, dislikes, fears, accomplishments, failures, shameful moments, goals, etc.

Altruism Unselfish regard for the welfare of others

Bystander Effect The tendency for any given bystander to be less likely to give aid if other bystanders are present Famous case of Kitty Genovese--38 people heard her cry for help but didn’t help. She was raped and stabbed to death.

Factors Increasing Bystander Intervention not in a hurry believe the victim deserves help in a good mood feeling guilty live in a small town or rural area just saw someone being helpful

Stereotype A generalized belief about a group of people Stereotypes are sometimes accurate but often overgeneralized Includes gender stereotyping

Prejudice An unjustifiable attitude toward a group and its members Usually involves stereotyped beliefs, negative feelings, and a predisposition to discriminatory action Usually involves a negative attitude

Discrimination In social relations, taking action against a group of people because of stereotyped beliefs and feelings of prejudice

Ingroup: “Us” vs Outgroup: “Them” In group: people with whom one shares a common identity Out group: those perceived as different from “us”

Ingroup Bias The tendency to favor one’s own group usually at the expense of the outgroup

Scapegoat Theory The theory that prejudice provides an outlet for anger by providing someone to blame

Categorization The tendency to group similar objects May be a means to explain stereotypes

Just-World Phenomenon The tendency to believe that people get what they deserve and deserve what they get (“blame the victim” mentality) Reflects child’s attitude that good is rewarded and evil is punished

Aggression Any physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt or destroy

Genetic and Neural Influences Some have a genetic predisposition toward aggression. Nervous system, including amygdala in the brain, can stimulate or inhibit aggression

Biochemistry Correlation of higher testosterone levels with aggressive behaviors Alcohol and other drugs can increase aggressive behavior.

Learned Aggression Aggression learned through observation of others being aggressive TV and the media encourages aggression

Cooperation: Superordinate goals Shared goals that override differences among people and require their cooperation