AP Psych attribution and cognitive dissonance review
This study set covers key concepts in attribution theory and cognitive dissonance, with a focus on definitions, examples, and applications relevant to AP Psychology.
Quiz(32 questions)
1. What does attribution theory primarily focus on?
Terms in this Study Set(32)
Attribution Theory(16)
What is attribution theory?
Attribution theory examines how individuals explain the causes of behavior and events. It involves making inferences about the reasons for others' actions.
Internal vs. External attribution
Internal attribution: behavior caused by personal factors. External attribution: behavior caused by situational factors.
Example of internal attribution?
If a student fails a test and believes it's due to their lack of effort.
Example of external attribution?
If a student fails a test and attributes it to a difficult exam or poor teaching.
True or False: External attributions are always more accurate.
False. They can be biased. Internal attributions often overlook situational factors.
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The tendency to overemphasize personal characteristics and underestimate situational factors when evaluating others' behaviors.
True or False: The actor-observer bias affects self-perception.
True. People attribute their own actions to situational factors while attributing others' actions to internal factors.
What is the self-serving bias?
The tendency to attribute successes to internal factors and failures to external factors to maintain self-esteem.
Fill in the blank: The _____ bias helps protect self-esteem.
self-serving
Question: How does culture influence attribution?
Individualistic cultures favor internal attributions, while collectivist cultures emphasize external attributions.
What is a common error in attribution?
Attributing behavior to personality without considering situational influences, known as the fundamental attribution error.
Cause → Effect: Internal attribution leads to _____
a focus on personal responsibility and potential change.
Example of self-serving bias in sports?
A player attributes their team's win to their skill but blames the loss on bad refereeing.
What is the role of consensus in attribution?
Consensus refers to how others behave in similar situations; high consensus suggests external attribution.
True or False: High distinctiveness leads to external attribution.
True. High distinctiveness indicates the behavior is unusual for the individual, suggesting situational causes.
Question: How can attribution affect relationships?
Attributions can shape perceptions and responses; for example, blaming a partner's mood on their character can create conflict.
Cognitive Dissonance(16)
What is cognitive dissonance?
A psychological discomfort arising from holding two conflicting beliefs or values.
Causes of cognitive dissonance?
- Conflicting beliefs - New information contradicting beliefs - Behavioral inconsistencies
True or False: Cognitive dissonance always leads to attitude change.
False. It may lead to rationalization instead.
Fill in the blank: Cognitive dissonance often leads to __________.
Attitude change or justification of actions.
Cause of cognitive dissonance: Smoking despite health risks.
Effect: Rationalization of smoking benefits or minimization of risks.
Example of cognitive dissonance in daily life?
A person believes in healthy eating but eats junk food. They may justify it by saying it's a treat.
How do people reduce cognitive dissonance?
- Change beliefs - Change behaviors - Add new beliefs to justify actions
What is the role of justification in cognitive dissonance?
Justification helps alleviate discomfort by rationalizing conflicting beliefs or choices.
True or False: Dissonance is always uncomfortable.
True. It motivates change to restore mental harmony.
Comparison: Cognitive dissonance vs. denial.
Cognitive dissonance acknowledges conflict; denial refuses to accept conflicting information.
What can increase cognitive dissonance?
Increased personal responsibility for behavior; greater importance of conflicting beliefs.
Cause → Effect: Buying an expensive car.
Cause: Increased financial strain. Effect: Possible dissonance due to conflicting financial goals.
Example of cognitive dissonance resolution?
A student fails an exam but believes they studied hard; they might blame the test's difficulty.
What happens when cognitive dissonance is unresolved?
It can lead to stress, anxiety, and long-term dissatisfaction.
How does public commitment affect cognitive dissonance?
Making a public commitment heightens dissonance if actions contradict stated beliefs.
Fill in the blank: Cognitive dissonance is often studied in __________.
Social psychology and decision-making.
Questions in this Study Set(32)
1. What does attribution theory primarily focus on?
2. What is cognitive dissonance?
3. Which of the following describes internal attribution?
4. Which of the following is a common cause of cognitive dissonance?
5. If a student performs poorly on a test due to a lack of preparation, this is an example of:
6. True or False: Cognitive dissonance can lead to justification of poor decisions.
7. If a person does poorly on a work project due to unclear instructions from their boss, this exemplifies:
8. Fill in the blank: Cognitive dissonance may lead to __________ in one’s attitudes.
9. True or False: Internal attributions are always accurate.
10. What is an example of cognitive dissonance experienced daily?
11. What is the fundamental attribution error?
12. How do people typically reduce cognitive dissonance?
13. True or False: The actor-observer bias suggests a difference in attribution based on who is being evaluated.
14. What is the role of justification in cognitive dissonance?
15. What does self-serving bias help an individual maintain?
16. True or False: Cognitive dissonance is always a positive experience.
17. Fill in the blank: The _____ bias leads individuals to attribute their successes to themselves.
18. Which is NOT a characteristic of cognitive dissonance?
19. How do individualistic cultures typically view attributions?
20. What can increase cognitive dissonance in an individual?
21. What common mistake do people often make regarding attribution?
22. Fill in the blank: Cognitive dissonance can lead to __________ when unresolved.
23. Cause → Effect: An internal attribution leads to _____ in behavior.
24. How does public commitment influence cognitive dissonance?
25. What is an example of self-serving bias in sports?
26. Which statement best describes cognitive dissonance in social psychology?
27. What does high consensus in attribution indicate?
28. Which scenario illustrates cognitive dissonance?
29. True or False: High distinctiveness leads to internal attribution.
30. What is a likely effect of cognitive dissonance?
31. How can attributions impact interpersonal relationships?
32. Which of the following scenarios best illustrates cognitive dissonance?
Related Study Sets
Vorurteile und Stereotype Zusammenfassung
Klausur: Kognitive Dissonanz Festinger
Klausur: Bystander-Effekt prosoziales Verhalten
Groupthink und Gruppenprozesse Zusammenfassung
Abitur: Konformität
Wiederholung: Gehorsam
Abitur: Attribution
Klausur: Einstellung und Verhalten
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