Are you a psychology student struggling to understand AP Psychology Unit 12? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will help you ace the exam and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate aspects of social psychology.
Introduction
AP Psychology Unit 12 covers the study of social psychology. The topics include attitudes, social influence, group behavior, prejudice, and aggression. Social psychology is a crucial area of psychology as it helps us understand how individuals interact with each other and how groups shape our attitudes and behavior.
Attitudes
Attitudes are defined as an evaluation of people, objects, or ideas. This evaluation can be positive, negative, or neutral. Attitudes can be formed through direct experience, social learning, or cultural conditioning. Attitudes can also be changed through persuasion, cognitive dissonance, or social influence.
Social Influence
Social influence refers to the way people influence each other’s behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. There are three main types of social influence: conformity, compliance, and obedience. Conformity is when people conform to the norms of a group. Compliance is when people agree to a request made by someone else. Obligation is when people follow commands from an authority figure.
Group Behavior
Group behavior refers to the behavior of individuals in a group setting. Group behavior can be influenced by group cohesion, group polarization, and groupthink. Group cohesion is the degree to which members of a group are connected and committed to each other. Group polarization is when a group’s attitudes become more extreme after discussing an issue. Groupthink is when a group’s desire to conform leads to poor decision making.
Prejudice
Prejudice is a negative attitude or feeling directed towards an individual or group based on their membership in a particular social group. Prejudice can be based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Prejudice can be reduced through contact between different groups or education about the harmful effects of prejudice.
Aggression
Aggression refers to any behavior that is intended to harm another person. Aggression can be physical or verbal. Aggression can be influenced by biological factors, social learning, or frustration. Aggression can be reduced through anger management techniques or addressing the root causes of aggression.
Conclusion
AP Psychology Unit 12 covers a wide range of topics in social psychology. Attitudes, social influence, group behavior, prejudice, and aggression are all important areas of study in social psychology. By understanding these topics, we can gain a deeper understanding of how individuals interact with each other and how groups shape our attitudes and behavior. Use this guide to prepare for your AP Psychology exam and excel in your studies.
