Group Dynamics Flashcards
What was intitally found when first coming up with the idea of social facilitation
Triplett found that people performed better in the presence of others
However, even when sometimes the presence of others helped performence, sometimes it hindered it
What is the drive theory of social facilitation
When learning, have correct and incorrect responses in repertoire
- arousal increases both responses
- hence, errors take longer to decline, learning is hampered
When performing (i.e not learning), largely correct responses available - hence arousal helps performance
What occurs when simple tasks are performed in the presence of others
Improves performance
What occurs when complex tasks are performed in the presence of others
Decreases performance
What is distraction - conflict theory
Keep ideas: others —-> arousal
but, arousal from conflict between:
1. Attention to task
2. Attention to audience/coactor
When does social facilitation occur?
When work on individual goals, where individuals can be evaluated/noticed
What is social loafing
The reduction in motivation and effort when working in a group (compared to individuals or as coactors)
What is social impact theory
The diffusion of responsibility (increased group size —-> feel less responsible)
What is the collective effort model
No individual evaluation of performance —-> decreased motivation
How do you decrease social loafing?
(8 ways)
- Working in small groups
- Interesting/important tasks are being worked on
- Working with friends, teammates
- Percieved that individual contributions are unique, accountable
- Expecting others to perform poorly (picking up the slack)
- If culture emphasizes group outcomes (e.g Asia)
- Giving opportunities to evaluate own performance (relative to others))
- Increases group cohesiveness (b/c increases caring about group’s outcome)
What is minority influence
Refers to minority opinions (i.e concern numerical minorities) not ethnic minorities
Sometimes, minorities (individuals and groups) can have substantial influence on majorities
When are minorities influential?
(think 4 reasons)
- Consistent - expresses confidence
- Avoids appearance of rigidity/dogmatism
- Social context suitable
- Single (more influence) vs double minorities
What does it mean when an individual follows the majority?
Public compliance
What does it mean when an individual follows the minority?
Genuine acceptance (i.e conversions)
What is groupthink?
The deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgement that results from in-group pressures
