Social Psychology
Actor-observer Effect
Tendency for individuals to believe their own actions are due to situational or external factors, while others actions are due to internal factors (e.g., the person’s personality). For instance, say you are performing poorly at your work because you did not have a good night’s sleep (external factor). You may be more likely to make excuses for your own performance. However, if a co-worker is performing poorly, you may be more likely to assume that your co-worker is lazy (internal factor).
Stereotyping
People make generalized assumptions and beliefs about a group of people based on their knowledge of the particular group. For example, belief that women are not good at sports while men are good at sports
Subtyping
When provided with information that disconfirms beliefs about a certain group (stereotype), people modify their stereotypes. For example, a person believes women are not good at sports but watches a tall women beat a man at basketball. The person might modify their stereotype and say that only tall women are good at sports.
How we act in groups
People may behave more foolishly in groups because they feel a diffusion of responsibility. People in groups may be more likely to commit crimes or hurt others because they feel less responsible for their actions. People in groups may also perform more poorly which is known as social loafing.