Question 1

According to the Need to Belong Theory, what are the likely psychological consequences for individuals who are deprived of social bonds for extended periods?

Accepted Answer

They suffer negative psychological and physical consequences, such as mood and anxiety problems.

Question 2

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of mass hysteria as described in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

A contagious outbreak of irrational behavior that spreads rapidly through a group.

Question 3

In the context of the Fundamental Attribution Error, which scenario best demonstrates this bias?

Accepted Answer

Concluding that a driver who cuts you off is a rude person, rather than considering they might be rushing to an emergency.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a factor that Asch found to influence conformity in his line judgment studies?

Accepted Answer

The gender of the participant.

Question 5

A basketball player compares their skills to the team’s top two superstars. According to Social Comparison Theory, this is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Upward social comparison

Question 6

Which of the following best describes deindividuation?

Accepted Answer

The loss of self-awareness and individual accountability in group situations, leading to atypical behavior.

Question 7

Which real-world event is most similar to the findings of the Stanford Prison Study in terms of demonstrating deindividuation and loss of personal responsibility?

Accepted Answer

The abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison.

Question 8

Which of the following is a recommended strategy to prevent groupthink, according to Janis (1972)?

Accepted Answer

Appoint a 'devil’s advocate' to voice doubts and encourage dissent.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Encouragement of active dissent and debate.

Question 10

According to the inoculation effect, what is the best way to make people resistant to cult influence?

Accepted Answer

Gently introduce them to reasons supporting the cult’s beliefs, allowing them to generate their own counterarguments.

Question 11

In Milgram’s obedience experiments, what percentage of participants delivered the maximum shock of 450 volts?

Accepted Answer

About 62%

Question 12

Which of the following is a key difference between conformity and obedience as defined in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

Conformity is driven by group pressure, while obedience is following orders from an authority figure.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of downward social comparison?

Accepted Answer

Comparing your performance to someone who performed worse.

Question 14

According to research, which group is most likely to conform?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with low self-esteem.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a way that cults promote groupthink?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging questioning of the group’s assumptions.

Question 16

From an evolutionary perspective, why have social influence processes like conformity and obedience been naturally selected?

Accepted Answer

Because they generally helped humans survive and cooperate.

Question 17

A city government covers up evidence of contaminated water to maintain a unified public image. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Question 18

Which of the following best describes social contagion?

Accepted Answer

The spread of behaviors, emotions, or ideas through a group.

Question 19

In the Asch conformity studies, what happened when one confederate gave the correct answer?

Accepted Answer

Conformity decreased significantly.

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of blind obedience, as discussed in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

The perpetration of hideous crimes in the name of obedience.

Social Psychology: Influence, Groups, and Obedience

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards