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Definition The Propinquity Effect is a psychological principle stating that people are more likely to become friends or romantic partners with individuals they frequently interact with. Proximity matters. It doesn't necessarily mean people need to be best frie...

Definition The Halo Effect is a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person (or company, brand, or product) influences how we feel and think about their character or properties. If we like one aspect of something, we’re more likely to have a positi...

Definition Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love proposes that love isn't just one feeling, but a combination of three separate components: Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment. Intimacy encompasses feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bondedness. It’s abou...

Definition The reciprocity norm is a social rule stating that people feel obligated to return favors, gifts, or services that they receive from others. It’s the "I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine" principle. It’s a deeply ingrained social expectation....

Definition Empathy-Altruism Theory, developed by Daniel Batson, proposes that genuine altruism is possible and is rooted in the experience of empathic concern. This isn't just feeling bad for someone (sympathy), but actually sharing their feelings. The theor...

Definition A “Culture of Honor” refers to a set of social norms prevalent in certain groups, historically associated with herding societies but now observed across various communities. It's characterized by a strong emphasis on reputation, particularly regardi...

Definition Instrumental Aggression is a form of aggressive behavior where the primary goal is to achieve a specific outcome or gain, rather than expressing anger, frustration, or hostility. Unlike reactive aggression, which is driven by emotions, instrumental ...

Definition Relational aggression refers to the deliberate manipulation or destruction of relationships to control or harm others. It involves emotional abuse tactics such as spreading rumors, excluding individuals, or isolating them socially. Example In a work...

Definition Aggression refers to intentional behavior or actions aimed at causing harm, pain, or damage to another person, group, or object. It can manifest as physical violence (e.g., hitting, pushing), verbal abuse (e.g., threatening, insulting), or psycholog...

Overview Social Identity Threat (SIT) is a psychological phenomenon where individuals feel anxious or perform worse when their social group is negatively stereotyped in a domain relevant to the task at hand. It’s closely related to stereotype threat, but SIT b...

Overview In-group bias refers to the human tendency to favor individuals we identify as being part of our group over those we perceive as “outsiders.” This isn't necessarily conscious hostility; it’s often an automatic preference. “Our group” can be based on a...

Overview Realistic Conflict Theory, developed by Muzafer Sherif, explains prejudice and intergroup conflict as stemming from competition for limited resources; jobs, land, power, or even status. It’s a cornerstone in understanding why groups often clash, movin...

Overview The contact hypothesis is a psychological theory that suggests meaningful interaction between individuals from different social groups can reduce prejudice and improve intergroup relations. Proposed by psychologist Gordon Allport in 1954, this idea em...

Overview Herbert Blumer’s stages of a social problem (1971) describe how society collectively defines and responds to issues. It’s not simply about a condition existing; it's about a process of social construction. Blumer outlines a sequence: 1) Social Problem...

Overview Social Constructionism is a theoretical framework that emphasizes how societal norms, values, and power dynamics shape human concepts of reality. It suggests that categories such as gender, race, and even mental illness are not fixed or natural but ar...

Overview A pandemic is a widespread global disease outbreak that affects large populations across countries and regions. Beyond its medical dimensions, it profoundly impacts societies, institutions, and behaviors, making it a critical focus in social sciences ...

Overview Life expectancy is the average number of years an individual can expect to live based on current conditions and trends. It reflects the overall health, healthcare access, and quality of life in a society. Globally, life expectancy varies significantly...

Overview Medical tourism refers to individuals traveling outside their home country to access healthcare services. It often involves seeking affordable, high-quality treatments or procedures not easily available locally, such as heart surgery, dental care, or ...

Overview Mortality rate measures the number of deaths in a population over a specific period, often expressed per thousand or hundred thousand individuals annually. It reflects the overall health, healthcare quality, and social conditions of a community. Key T...

Overview The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) measures the number of deaths of children under one year of age per 1000 live births within a specific population and time period. It is an indicator of public health, social development, and overall well-being. Globall...