Define Concepts

Instructions:

Define the following basic concepts related to social psychology, using the technical vocabulary of discipline.

• • Self
  • Self-esteem
  • Self-concept
  • Social perception,
  • Nonverbal behavior
  • Self-fulfillment prophecy
  • Stereotypes
  • Prejudice
  • In-group and out-group discrimination
  • Social cognition
  • Social identity

Contribute a minimum of 1–2 pages. It should include at least 1 academic source, formatted and cited in APA.

Contribute a minimum of (number) pages. It should include at least (number) academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.

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Submission Instructions:

• Submit your assignment by 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday.
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Basic Concepts Related to Social Psychology

Self

The concept of “self” in social psychology refers to an individual’s awareness of their own identity and existence. It encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that one has about themselves. The self is a central element in understanding human behavior as it influences how individuals interact with their environment and perceive their place in the social world (Baumeister, 1999).

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is an individual’s overall subjective evaluation of their worth. It reflects a person’s self-respect and self-confidence. High self-esteem is associated with positive feelings about oneself, whereas low self-esteem can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Self-esteem plays a critical role in motivation and behavior (Rosenberg, 1965).

Self-Concept

Self-concept is a broader term that includes all the beliefs and cognitions about oneself. It is the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Self-concept consists of multiple self-aspects, including physical attributes, personality traits, roles, and social identities. It is dynamic and can change over time based on experiences and social interactions (Markus & Wurf, 1987).

Social Perception

Social perception refers to the processes by which people come to understand and categorize the behaviors of others. It involves interpreting and making inferences about others based on observed behavior, social roles, and contextual cues. Social perception is crucial for effective communication and interaction within society (Fiske & Taylor, 2013).

Nonverbal Behavior

Nonverbal behavior includes all the ways individuals communicate without words. This encompasses facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and tone of voice. Nonverbal behavior can convey emotions, intentions, and social signals, often more powerfully than verbal communication (Ekman & Friesen, 1969).

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

A self-fulfilling prophecy is a belief or expectation that influences behavior in a way that causes the belief to become true. For example, if a teacher expects a student to excel, the teacher may provide more encouragement and opportunities for the student, which in turn can lead to improved performance (Merton, 1948).

Stereotypes

Stereotypes are generalized and often simplified beliefs about a group of people. These beliefs can be positive or negative and may influence how individuals perceive and interact with members of that group. Stereotypes can lead to biased behavior and reinforce social inequalities (Allport, 1954).

Prejudice

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or attitude about an individual or group, typically based on stereotypes. Prejudice can be based on various characteristics such as race, gender, age, or religion. It often results in discrimination and social injustice (Dovidio et al., 2010).

In-Group and Out-Group Discrimination

In-group and out-group discrimination refers to the tendency of individuals to favor members of their own group (in-group) over those of other groups (out-group). This bias can manifest in various ways, including preferential treatment and unjustified hostility towards out-group members (Tajfel & Turner, 1986).

Social Cognition

Social cognition involves the processes through which people understand and interpret social information. It includes how individuals perceive, think about, and remember information about others and social situations. Social cognition helps people navigate complex social environments (Fiske & Taylor, 2013).

Social Identity

Social identity is a person’s sense of who they are based on their group memberships. These groups can include social class, family, sports teams, or any other collective. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-concept from the groups to which they belong, influencing behavior and intergroup relations (Tajfel & Turner, 1979).

References

• Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Addison-Wesley.
• Baumeister, R. F. (1999). The self in social psychology. Psychology Press.
• Dovidio, J. F., Glick, P., & Rudman, L. A. (Eds.). (2010). On the nature of prejudice: Fifty years after Allport. John Wiley & Sons.
• Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1969). The repertoire of nonverbal behavior: Categories, origins, usage, and coding. Semiotica, 1(1), 49-98.
• Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (2013). Social cognition: From brains to culture. Sage.
• Markus, H., & Wurf, E. (1987). The dynamic self-concept: A social psychological perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 38(1), 299-337.
• Merton, R. K. (1948). The self-fulfilling prophecy. The Antioch Review, 8(2), 193-210.
• Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the adolescent self-image. Princeton University Press.
• Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An integrative theory of intergroup conflict. In The social psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 33-47). Brooks/Cole.
• Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior. In Psychology of intergroup relations (pp. 7-24). Nelson-Hall.