MPC 004 SECTION - B ANSWERS

SECTION A C QUESTIONS

MPC 004  SECTION - B ANSWERS

Answer the following questions in about 400 words each: 5 x 5 = 25 marks
4. Discuss the interrelationships between social psychology and other disciplines.
Social psychology examines how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. Due to its interdisciplinary nature, it overlaps significantly with various fields, drawing on theories, methods, and applications from sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, neuroscience, and more. This interrelationship enriches its research and practical applications.
a. Social Psychology and Sociology

• Similarities:

• Both disciplines explore group behavior, social norms, and societal influences on individuals.

• Topics like prejudice, group dynamics, and social identity are common to both.

• Differences:

• Sociology focuses on macro-level societal structures, while social psychology examines individual and micro-level social interactions.

• Applications:

• Sociological theories on culture and institutions inform social psychology’s studies on conformity and social roles.

b. Social Psychology and Psychology

• Similarities:

• Social psychology shares psychology's focus on understanding human behavior.

• Both examine cognitive and emotional processes.

• Differences:

• Social psychology emphasizes external social influences, whereas psychology often focuses on internal factors like cognition and personality.

• Applications:

• Psychological concepts such as perception and motivation are integrated into studies on social perception and interpersonal relationships.

c. Social Psychology and Anthropology

• Influence of Culture:

• Anthropology's insights into cultural practices and human evolution enrich social psychology's understanding of group behavior and cultural influences.

• Applications:

• Ethnographic methods in anthropology are used in social psychology to study group dynamics and cultural differences in behavior.

d. Social Psychology and Economics

• Behavioral Economics:

• Social psychology contributes to understanding decision-making, risk perception, and consumer behavior.

• Economic theories like utility maximization integrate psychological principles, such as emotions and biases, into predicting behavior.

• Applications:

• Studies on social norms influence economic policies on taxation and public health.

e. Social Psychology and Neuroscience

• Social Neuroscience:

• This emerging field examines the neural basis of social behaviors like empathy, trust, and aggression.

• Applications:

• Brain imaging techniques (fMRI) reveal how social stimuli, like facial expressions, activate specific brain regions.

Conclusion
Social psychology thrives on its interdisciplinary connections, benefiting from and contributing to multiple fields. These interrelationships expand its scope and practical applications, from understanding cultural practices to informing public policy.

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5. Discuss the errors in attribution, specifically focusing on the fundamental attribution error and halo effects.
Attribution refers to the process by which individuals explain the causes of behavior or events. Despite its importance, errors often occur in attribution, leading to biased judgments. Two prominent errors are the fundamental attribution error and the halo effect.
a. Fundamental Attribution Error

• Definition:

• The tendency to overemphasize internal (dispositional) factors and underestimate external (situational) factors when explaining others' behavior.

• Example:

• If a colleague misses a deadline, one might attribute it to laziness (internal) rather than considering potential external reasons like illness or workload.

• Causes:

• Cognitive biases: People often lack complete situational information.

• Cultural influences: Individualistic cultures emphasize personal responsibility, increasing this error.

• Implications:

• Leads to unfair judgments, strained relationships, and stereotyping.

b. Halo Effect

• Definition:

• A cognitive bias where an individual's overall impression influences specific judgments about their traits.

• Example:

• Assuming a physically attractive person is also intelligent and kind.

• Causes:

• Limited information: First impressions dominate.

• Emotional responses: Positive feelings about one trait spill over to others.

• Implications:

• Biases hiring decisions, academic assessments, and interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion
Both attribution errors significantly impact interpersonal and professional interactions. Recognizing and addressing these biases can lead to more accurate judgments and better decision-making.

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6. Describe some ethical issues that arise in social psychological research.
Ethical considerations are paramount in social psychological research to ensure the well-being and rights of participants. Several issues arise, especially in studies involving deception, privacy, and potential psychological harm.
a. Informed Consent

• Participants must be fully aware of the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks.

• Challenges arise when obtaining consent might influence behavior (e.g., in deception-based studies).

b. Deception

• Deception is often used to prevent participants from altering their behavior.

• Ethical concerns include participants feeling manipulated or distressed upon discovering the deception.

• Solution: Providing thorough debriefing after the study.

c. Privacy and Confidentiality

• Researchers must protect personal data and ensure anonymity.

• Breaches of confidentiality can damage trust and harm participants' reputations.

d. Protection from Harm

• Participants must not experience physical or psychological harm.

• Example: In Milgram’s obedience study, participants experienced significant stress.

e. Ethical Oversight

• Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) review research proposals to ensure adherence to ethical standards.

Conclusion
Adhering to ethical principles ensures the integrity of social psychological research and fosters trust between researchers and participants.

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7. Explain the various experimental studies of human obedience.
Obedience refers to compliance with authority figures, even when it involves actions against personal values. Several experimental studies have explored this phenomenon.
a. Milgram’s Obedience Experiment (1963)

• Design: Participants were instructed to administer electric shocks to a "learner" for incorrect answers.

• Findings:

• 65% of participants delivered the maximum shock level, despite visible distress.

• Implications:

• Demonstrated the power of authority figures in eliciting obedience.

• Highlighted ethical concerns regarding psychological stress.

b. Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment (1971)

• Design: Participants were assigned roles as guards or prisoners in a simulated prison environment.

• Findings:

• Guards became abusive, and prisoners exhibited signs of stress and helplessness.

• Implications:

• Showed how situational factors influence obedience and behavior.

• Raised ethical concerns about participant well-being.

c. Hofling’s Nurse Study (1966)

• Design: Nurses were instructed by an unknown doctor to administer an overdose of medication.

• Findings:

• 21 of 22 nurses complied, despite hospital rules prohibiting such actions.

• Implications:

• Emphasized the influence of perceived authority in professional settings.

Conclusion
These studies underscore the situational factors driving obedience and raise questions about individual responsibility and ethical limits in research.

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8. Discuss the theoretical perspectives of pro-social behavior.
Pro-social behavior encompasses voluntary actions intended to benefit others, such as helping, sharing, and comforting. Various theoretical perspectives explain why people engage in such behavior.
a. Evolutionary Perspective

• Kin Selection:

• People are more likely to help relatives to ensure the survival of shared genes.

• Reciprocal Altruism:

• Helping others increases the likelihood of receiving help in return.

• Example: Parents sacrificing for their children.

b. Social Exchange Theory

• People weigh the costs and benefits of helping behavior.

• Example: Offering assistance if the personal reward (e.g., gratitude) outweighs the effort.

c. Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis

• Altruism arises from empathy for others.

• Example: Donating to disaster relief after seeing distressing images of victims.

d. Normative Influences

• Social Responsibility Norm:

• Encourages helping those in need, such as children or the elderly.

• Reciprocity Norm:

• Promotes returning favors.

e. Cultural and Environmental Factors

• Collectivist cultures emphasize community welfare, fostering higher levels of pro-social behavior.

Conclusion
Pro-social behavior is driven by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Understanding these perspectives aids in promoting altruistic actions in society.

SECTION A C QUESTIONS