Chapter 7 - Factors that influence behaviour Flashcards
Group
two or more people who interact and influence each other and share a common objective
In-group
a group that an individual belongs to
or identifies with
Out-group
a group that an individual does not belong to or identify with
Norm
a standard, value, or rule that outlines an appropriate behaviour or experience
Social identity theory
the tendency for people to favour their in-group over an out-group in order to enhance their sense of self-esteem
Social loafing
an individual’s reduction in effort when work is performed in a group as compared to individually, due to the belief that others will put in the effort
Culture
the customs, behaviours, and values of a particular group in society
Individualist culture
a culture that prioritises the needs and goals of individuals and values independence
Collectivist culture
a culture that prioritises the needs and goals of groups
Obedience
complying with commands which are often given by a source of authority
factors that influence obedience
- Status of authority figure
- proximity
- group pressure
Milgram’s experiment
The aim of Milgram’s experiment was to measure the extent to which individuals would obey the commands of an authority figure, even when those commands required inflicting pain and suffering on another individual.
Social norms
society’s unofficial rules and expectations regarding how individuals should act
Groupthink
a psychological phenomenon in which assumed group unanimity overrules individuals’ realistic appraisal of consequences
Group shift
a condition in which the influence
of the group causes an individual to adopt a more extreme position
Deindividuation
the tendency for individuals to lose their sense of identity and individuality within a group
Media
the forms in which information is communicated and spread throughout society
Social connections
the network of people available to someone for support and engagement
positive - access to support, mobilise large groups
negative - pressure to stay connected, increased conformity
Social comparison
a proposal that humans measure their self-worth in relation to the people around them, playing a significant role in mental wellbeing
positive - high self esteem, people with large following influences others
negative - unrealistic expectations and social comparisons
Addictive behaviours
behaviours that are associated with a dependence upon a particular stimulus, despite negative consequences
- no positive consequences
Information access
how easily information can be accessed by different people
positive - access information you like
negative - misinformation can spread quickly
Independence
being free from the control or influence of others
Self determination
engaging in behaviours without the influence of other people as an external force
Self-determination theory
the concept that people achieve self-determination when three basic psychological needs
are met: autonomy, competence, and relatedness
Autonomy
the need to be able to
act authentically, based on individual choice and intrinsic motivation
Competence
the need to feel as though you have the skills required to meaningfully carry out behaviours that affect your environment
Relatedness
the need to feel a sense of attachment, connection to, and belonging with other people
Extrinsic motivation
engaging in activities or behaviours for their external benefits
Intrinsic motivation
engaging in activities or behaviours for their internal benefits
Conformity
adjusting one’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviours to match those of others, a social group, or a social situation
Anti-conformity
a deliberate refusal to comply with social norms or standards for thoughts, feelings, or behaviours
Reactance
a motivational state of distress and resistance, caused by a desire to regain personal freedom after it has been removed or threatened by external sources
Individuation
when an individual’s identity and contributions to a group are noticeable
Social support
(in relation to anti-conformity) when others hold a similar attitude or perspective to an individual
Deviant subgroups
groups that hold values and norms that exist outside the dominant social norms in society
