Final answer:
Social cognition is the term for mental factors causing a shift in focus in interacting with others. Factors like cognitive biases and social influence can affect how individuals perceive, interpret, and apply information in social situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for mental factors causing a shift in focus in interacting with others is social cognition. Social cognition refers to the processes by which individuals perceive, interpret, remember, and apply information about themselves and others in social situations. It includes factors such as cognitive biases, social influence, and the impact of emotions and attitudes on interpersonal interactions.
For example, a cognitive bias called confirmation bias can cause a shift in focus by leading individuals to pay more attention to information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can influence their interactions with others by making them more likely to seek out and interpret information in a way that aligns with their preconceived notions.
Another example is the impact of social influence on focus. When individuals are under the influence of a group, they may shift their focus to align with the norms and expectations of that group. This can lead to changes in behavior and communication patterns when interacting with others.