Theories of Social Psychology

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your understanding of various theories in social psychology. It covers topics such as attitudes, conformity, obedience, and group behavior. Each question includes multiple-choice options and a detailed explanation of the correct answer.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: social psychology attitudes conformity obedience group behavior
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According to the theory of reasoned action, what are the two main determinants of behavior?

  1. Attitudes and subjective norms

  2. Perceived behavioral control and intention

  3. Habits and environmental cues

  4. Values and beliefs


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The theory of reasoned action posits that attitudes and subjective norms are the primary determinants of behavior. Attitudes refer to an individual's positive or negative feelings towards a specific behavior, while subjective norms represent the perceived social pressure to engage in or refrain from a particular behavior.

Which theory suggests that individuals tend to conform to the opinions and behaviors of the majority?

  1. Social identity theory

  2. Conformity theory

  3. Groupthink theory

  4. Social exchange theory


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Conformity theory proposes that individuals are influenced by the opinions and behaviors of the majority in order to gain acceptance and avoid social rejection. This theory highlights the role of social pressure in shaping individual behavior.

According to Milgram's obedience experiments, what factor was most influential in determining participants' willingness to obey authority?

  1. The perceived legitimacy of the authority figure

  2. The distance between the participant and the victim

  3. The participant's personal beliefs and values

  4. The participant's fear of punishment


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Milgram's obedience experiments demonstrated that the perceived legitimacy of the authority figure was the most significant factor in determining participants' willingness to obey. Participants were more likely to comply with orders when they perceived the authority figure as legitimate and deserving of respect.

Which theory emphasizes the importance of social identity in shaping individual behavior?

  1. Social identity theory

  2. Social exchange theory

  3. Social learning theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social identity theory posits that individuals derive a sense of self from their membership in various social groups. This theory highlights the influence of social identity on individual behavior, attitudes, and perceptions.

According to the theory of cognitive dissonance, how do individuals resolve inconsistencies between their beliefs and behaviors?

  1. By changing their beliefs to align with their behaviors

  2. By changing their behaviors to align with their beliefs

  3. By rationalizing their behaviors to make them consistent with their beliefs

  4. By ignoring the inconsistencies and maintaining both beliefs and behaviors


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The theory of cognitive dissonance proposes that individuals experience psychological discomfort when their beliefs and behaviors are inconsistent. To reduce this discomfort, they tend to rationalize their behaviors to make them appear consistent with their beliefs.

Which theory suggests that individuals are motivated to maintain a positive self-image and avoid negative self-evaluation?

  1. Self-verification theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Cognitive dissonance theory

  4. Social exchange theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Self-verification theory proposes that individuals are motivated to maintain a positive self-image and avoid negative self-evaluation. This theory highlights the role of self-verification in shaping individual behavior and social interactions.

According to the theory of social exchange, what is the primary factor that determines the quality of social relationships?

  1. The level of trust and commitment between individuals

  2. The frequency and duration of interactions between individuals

  3. The perceived benefits and costs of the relationship for each individual

  4. The similarity of attitudes and values between individuals


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The theory of social exchange posits that the quality of social relationships is primarily determined by the perceived benefits and costs of the relationship for each individual. Individuals are more likely to maintain relationships that they perceive as beneficial and less likely to maintain relationships that they perceive as costly.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social norms in shaping individual behavior?

  1. Social norms theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Social exchange theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social norms theory proposes that individuals' behavior is influenced by the social norms of their environment. These norms represent the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a particular social group or culture.

According to the theory of groupthink, what is the primary factor that leads to poor decision-making in groups?

  1. The presence of a strong leader who dominates the discussion

  2. The lack of diversity in group membership

  3. The pressure to conform to the group's consensus

  4. The absence of clear goals and objectives


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The theory of groupthink posits that the pressure to conform to the group's consensus can lead to poor decision-making. This pressure can result in group members suppressing their own opinions and going along with the majority, even if they believe that the majority is wrong.

Which theory suggests that individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs?

  1. Confirmation bias theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Social exchange theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Confirmation bias theory proposes that individuals are motivated to reduce uncertainty and seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs. This tendency can lead to biased information processing and decision-making.

According to the theory of social loafing, what is the phenomenon where individuals exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone?

  1. Social loafing

  2. Social facilitation

  3. Groupthink

  4. Social exchange


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The theory of social loafing proposes that individuals may exert less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone. This phenomenon is attributed to factors such as diffusion of responsibility, decreased individual accountability, and the presence of free riders.

Which theory emphasizes the role of social comparison in shaping individual self-evaluations?

  1. Social comparison theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Social exchange theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social comparison theory proposes that individuals evaluate their own abilities, attitudes, and behaviors by comparing themselves to others. This theory highlights the influence of social comparison on individual self-evaluations and self-perceptions.

According to the theory of attribution, what is the process by which individuals explain the causes of their own and others' behavior?

  1. Attribution theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Social exchange theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Attribution theory proposes that individuals explain the causes of their own and others' behavior by attributing them to internal factors (such as personality traits or abilities) or external factors (such as situational constraints or luck). This theory highlights the role of attribution in shaping individuals' perceptions of themselves and others.

Which theory suggests that individuals are more likely to help others who are similar to them?

  1. Similarity-attraction theory

  2. Social identity theory

  3. Social exchange theory

  4. Cognitive dissonance theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Similarity-attraction theory proposes that individuals are more likely to be attracted to and form relationships with others who are similar to them in terms of attitudes, values, and beliefs. This theory highlights the role of similarity in shaping interpersonal relationships.

According to the theory of social identity, what is the process by which individuals define themselves in terms of their membership in various social groups?

  1. Social identity theory

  2. Social exchange theory

  3. Cognitive dissonance theory

  4. Self-verification theory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Social identity theory proposes that individuals define themselves in terms of their membership in various social groups. This theory highlights the role of social identity in shaping individual self-concept, self-esteem, and behavior.

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