#AP Psychology: Social Psychology - The Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Psych pro! Let's dive into the fascinating world of social psychology. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big exam. We'll break down complex topics into easy-to-digest bits, sprinkle in some memory aids, and get you feeling confident and ready to ace this thing!

#Social Situations and Behavior

#Social Norms and Expectations

• Social norms are the unwritten rules that dictate how we should behave in different situations. Think of them as the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of social life. 🎭
• These norms are like scripts for our social interactions, guiding our behavior in formal events, casual hangouts, and everything in between.
• They also define our social roles – the parts we play in society based on age, gender, and status.

#Types of Social Influence

• Normative influence: This is all about fitting in. We conform to group norms to avoid rejection and gain acceptance. It's like wanting to be part of the 'in' crowd.
• Informational influence: This occurs when we look to others for guidance, especially in confusing situations. We assume that others know what they're doing, so we follow their lead. 💡

#Techniques of Persuasion

• Central route to persuasion: This involves critical thinking and evaluating arguments. It's like using logic and reason to make a decision. This route leads to lasting attitude changes.
• Peripheral route to persuasion: This relies on superficial cues and emotional appeals. Think celebrity endorsements or catchy slogans. It's all about the feels, not the facts.
  • Halo effect: When we see someone as attractive, we tend to assume they have other positive qualities too. It's like thinking a good-looking person must also be kind and smart.
  • Foot-in-the-door technique: Start with a small request, then make a bigger one. People are more likely to agree to the big request if they've already agreed to the small one. It's like getting your foot in the door.
  • Door-in-the-face technique: Start with a huge request that you know will be rejected, then make a more reasonable one. The second request seems like a compromise, making it more likely to be accepted.

#Conditions for Conformity

• Group size: The bigger the group, the more pressure there is to conform.
• Unanimity: If everyone agrees, it's harder to dissent. A single dissenter can break the spell of conformity.
• Task difficulty: When tasks are ambiguous or difficult, we're more likely to conform because we seek guidance from others.
• Personal importance: If we care a lot about an issue, we're less likely to conform. We're more likely to stick to our own beliefs.

#Conditions for Obedience

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