A mental representation is a body of knowledge that an individual has stored in memory. Mental representations influence social beliefs and behaviours. The raw materials of first impressions are appearance, behaviour and choices. There are several ways in which we form impressions:

1. Physical appearance
   It is universal that physical beauty calls up positive expectations. Physical

Discrimination refers to positive or negative behaviour directed toward a social group and its members. Prejudice is a positive or negative evaluation of a social group and its members. Stereotypes are a mental representation or impression of a social group that people form by associating particular characteristics and emotions with the group. A social group refers to two

An attitude is a mental representation that summarizes an individual’s evaluation of a particular person, group, thing, action or idea. Attitude change is the process by which attitudes form and change by the association of positive or negative information with the attitude object. Persuasion is the deliberate attempt to bring about attitude change by communication.

Attitudes can

Thoughts, emotions and behaviour of people become more similar if they interact with each other. A social norm is a generally accepted way of thinking, feeling or behaving that most people in a group agree on. There are two types of social norms. Descriptive social norms are norms that serve the connectedness motive and refers to what people

Studying attraction, relationships and love can be a challenge because it is not always possible to make use of an experimental design. A lot of research is been done using speed dating sessions, but there is a lack of cross-cultural research.

Attraction is based on an alluring face, a pleasant interaction or the perception of similarity.

Prosocial behaviour is behaviour intended to help someone else. Cooperation refers to two or more people working together toward a common goal that will benefit all involved. Altruism refers to behaviour intended to help others without any prospect of personal reward for the helper. Egoism refers to behaviour motivated by the desire to obtain personal rewards.