explain and give an example of the hostile expectation bias according to social psychology
The hostile expectation bias is a cognitive bias in which individuals expect others to act in a hostile or aggressive manner, regardless of the actual behavior of the other person. This bias can lead individuals to interpret neutral or even positive behaviors as hostile or threatening.
For example, someone with a hostile expectation bias may assume that a friend is angry with them because they did not respond to a text message immediately, even though the friend had a valid reason for not responding right away. The individual may then react defensively or aggressively in response to this perceived hostility, further escalating the situation.
This bias may stem from past experiences of hostility or aggression, leading individuals to see the world as a more hostile and threatening place than it actually is. It can also be influenced by cognitive processes such as selective attention and memory, which may cause individuals to focus more on negative or threatening cues in their environment.
Overall, the hostile expectation bias can have negative consequences for interpersonal relationships, as it can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and unnecessary hostility. It is important for individuals to be aware of this bias and to actively challenge their negative expectations in order to improve their social interactions.