All Flashcards
Explain the concept of stereotypes as cognitive shortcuts.
Stereotypes help us process information quickly but can be inaccurate and harmful, leading to prejudiced attitudes.
What is the key idea behind the Just-World Phenomenon?
The belief that the world is just and people get what they deserve, often leading to blaming the victim.
How does Confirmation Bias reinforce existing beliefs?
By selectively attending to information that confirms the belief and dismissing contradictory evidence.
What are the consequences of using stereotypes?
Prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behaviors, stemming from limited exposure and selective attention.
Explain how in-group bias affects our perceptions.
It leads us to favor our own group, often viewing them more positively than out-groups.
What role does cognitive load play in the use of stereotypes?
Stereotypes reduce cognitive load by providing quick, though potentially inaccurate, assessments of individuals and situations.
How does belief perseverance impact decision-making?
It can lead to poor decisions by preventing individuals from considering new information or alternative perspectives.
What is the relationship between implicit attitudes and behavior?
Implicit attitudes can influence behavior without conscious awareness, potentially leading to unintended biases.
How can cognitive dissonance be resolved?
By changing actions to match attitudes, changing attitudes to justify actions, or seeking out supporting information.
Why do people experience cognitive dissonance?
Because holding conflicting beliefs or behaving inconsistently with one's beliefs causes mental discomfort.
Give an example of the Just-World Phenomenon in action.
Blaming a victim of a crime because 'they must have done something to deserve it'.
How might Confirmation Bias affect a doctor's diagnosis?
A doctor might only look for symptoms that confirm their initial diagnosis, ignoring other possibilities.
How does ethnocentrism affect international relations?
It can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts due to judging other cultures by one's own cultural standards.
Provide an example of cognitive dissonance in everyday life.
Someone who smokes knowing it's bad for their health might rationalize their behavior by saying 'it helps me relax'.
How can understanding in-group bias help improve team dynamics?
By recognizing and mitigating favoritism towards one's own group, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment.
How can recognizing implicit attitudes improve hiring practices?
By implementing blind resume reviews and structured interviews to minimize unconscious biases in candidate selection.
How might belief perseverance affect political views?
Individuals may continue to support a political candidate or policy even when presented with evidence of its ineffectiveness or harm.
In what ways does confirmation bias affect social media usage?
People tend to follow and engage with content that aligns with their existing beliefs, creating echo chambers.
How can cognitive dissonance be used in marketing?
By creating a sense of discomfort in consumers who are not using a particular product, motivating them to purchase it.
How does out-group homogeneity bias affect intergroup relations?
It can lead to oversimplified and negative perceptions of other groups, hindering empathy and understanding.
What is a stereotype?
Oversimplified, generalized beliefs about a group of people.
What are implicit attitudes?
Unconscious evaluations about others that may not match stated beliefs.
What is the Just-World Phenomenon?
Belief that people get what they deserve.
What is Out-Group Homogeneity Bias?
Seeing members of other groups as all the same.
What is In-Group Bias?
Favoring our own group.
What is Ethnocentrism?
Judging other cultures by our own standards.
What is Belief Perseverance?
Sticking to a belief even when there's evidence against it.
What is Confirmation Bias?
Seeking out information that confirms our beliefs.
What is Cognitive Dissonance?
Mental discomfort when actions and attitudes don't match.