The concept of conformity and the factors that contribute to it.

Full Answer Section

• Foot-in-the-Door Technique: Starting with a small request and then gradually increasing the size of the request.
• Door-in-the-Face Technique: Starting with a large, unreasonable request and then following up with a smaller, more reasonable request.
• Low-Ball Technique: Making an attractive offer and then gradually increasing the cost or reducing the benefits.

3. Obedience

Obedience is the act of following direct orders from an authority figure. Factors that increase obedience include:

• Perceived Authority: The authority figure is perceived as legitimate and having the right to give orders.
• Proximity to the Authority Figure: Physical proximity increases obedience.
• Group Pressure: The presence of others who are obeying can increase an individual's likelihood of obeying.

4. Group Membership, Performance, and Decision-Making

• Social Facilitation: The presence of others can enhance performance on simple tasks but impair performance on complex tasks.
• Social Loafing: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.
• Groupthink: A phenomenon that occurs when group members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking.
• Group Polarization: The tendency for groups to make more extreme decisions than individuals.

5. Aggression

Aggression is behavior intended to harm or injure another person. Factors that influence aggression include:

• Biological Factors: Hormonal influences, brain structures, and genetic predispositions.
• Psychological Factors: Frustration, anger, and hostile thoughts.
• Social and Environmental Factors: Exposure to violence, cultural norms, and situational cues.

6. Altruism

Altruism is the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Evolutionary theory suggests that altruistic behavior may have evolved through kin selection and reciprocal altruism.

7. Models of Altruism

1. Kin Selection: Helping relatives to increase the survival of shared genes.
2. Reciprocal Altruism: Helping others with the expectation of receiving help in return.
3. Empathy-Altruism Hypothesis: Helping others out of a genuine concern for their well-being.

8. Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love

Sternberg's theory proposes that love is composed of three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Different combinations of these components result in different types of love:  

• Liking: Intimacy alone
• Infatuation: Passion alone
• Empty Love: Commitment alone
• Romantic Love: Intimacy and passion
• Companionate Love: Intimacy and commitment
• Fatuous Love: Passion and commitment
• Consummate Love: Intimacy, passion, and commitment  

Part II: Neuropsychology

1. Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is the scientific study of the relationship between brain function and behavior. It explores how the brain influences thoughts, feelings, and actions.

2. Localization vs. Equipotentiality

• Localization: The idea that specific brain areas are responsible for specific functions.
• Equipotentiality: The belief that the brain functions as a whole and can take over functions of damaged areas.

3. Contributions of Localization and Equipotentiality

• Localization: Led to a better understanding of brain function and the development of treatments for neurological disorders.
• Equipotentiality: Emphasized the brain's plasticity and ability to recover from injury.

4. Brain Professionals

• Neuropsychologists: Assess and treat cognitive and behavioral disorders.
• Clinical Neuropsychologists: Focus on diagnosing and treating neurological disorders.
• Neuroscientists: Study the structure and function of the brain.
• Neurologists: Medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system.

5. Luria's Functional Model

Luria's model emphasizes the functional organization of the brain, highlighting three functional units:

1. Arousal and Attention: Responsible for regulating overall brain activity.
2. Sensory Input and Processing: Processes sensory information and forms perceptions.
3. Planning, Programming, and Regulation of Behavior: Responsible for higher-level cognitive functions, such as problem-solving and decision-making.

This model provides a valuable framework for understanding how the brain works and how it can be affected by injury or disease.

Sample Answer

Part I: Social Psychology

1. Conformity

Conformity is the tendency to adjust one's thoughts, feelings, or behavior to align with group norms or expectations. Factors influencing conformity include:

• Normative Social Influence: The desire to be liked and accepted by the group.
• Informational Social Influence: The belief that others may have more accurate information or knowledge.
• Cultural Norms: Cultural values and expectations can shape conformity.

2. Compliance

Compliance is the act of yielding to a direct request or demand. Three strategies for inducing compliance are: