Social Psychology (PSYC 220) Attribution, Biases, and Persuasion Exam Review
University of Michigan
Social Psychology (PSYC 220) | Exam Review

Overview
A high-intent exam review for social psych on attribution errors, attitudes, and persuasion models students see on midterms and finals.

Key topics
•fundamental attribution error and actor-observer
•self-serving bias and cognitive dissonance
•attitudes and behavior prediction
•persuasion routes (ELM) and heuristics
•group influence and social norms

Suggested study tasks
•apply 10 mini-scenarios to identify the attribution bias
•write 6 short examples of dissonance reduction strategies
•compare central vs peripheral persuasion in 5 ads
•make a study map linking attitudes to behavior theories
•self-quiz 20 key terms with one-sentence definitions

Common pitfalls
•confusing attribution with stereotypes
•using bias without naming the specific effect
•mixing compliance with attitude change
•forgetting situational constraints in examples
•overgeneralizing one study to all behavior