Group Processes Flashcards
Group Polarization
the tendency for groups to show a shift towards the extremes of decision-making when compared to decisions made by individuals
When individual members of a group are already cautious in their attitude to a decision….
they will show a shift toward an even more cautious attitude when they discuss this as part of a like-minded group.
When individuals are less cautious before a group discussion…
they tend to show a shift towards more risky decisions when they are making a decision as part of a like-minded group. This type of group polarization is known as risky shift.
What was the first provocative study into group polarization?
Stoner’s (1961) master’s thesis describing the discovery of the “risky shift,” which concluded that groups generally behaved in a riskier way (taking bets with higher potential rewards but also lower probabilities) than individuals (Cartwright, 1971).
What happened to Stoner’s findings?
this finding in itself was eventually discredited (Friedkin, 1999), the phenomenon of choice shift continued to motivate research.
What is the persuasive arguments theory?
Persuasive arguments theory posits that group polarization occurs because of the content of the arguments that happen during discussions.
- people participating in the discussion draw possible arguments from the pool of those that support their initial attitudes (Friedkin, 1999).
- choice shift and group polarization depend on the action or implicit arguments for discussions resulting from group discussions or a rethinking of the issue
What is social comparison theory?
Social comparison theory argues that people will enter a discussion espousing views less extreme than their true views because they fear being labeled deviant.
What is self categorization theory?
explains that group polarization happens on the basis of a person’s conformity to an extreme norm or position of the group (Abrams, Wetherell, Cochrane, and Hogg, 1990)
-norm is not the average view but rather the prototypical position of the group
Social Decision Scheme Theory
group decisions are a factor of the initial distribution of attitudes in the group and some decision scheme, otherwise known as a decision role that members use to obtain a decision (Davis, 1973).
What are some examples of where social categorization can occur?
- Gambling Behavior
- Book Club
- Aid organizations
- Social Media
Factors that effect conformity to majority influence
Task difficulty
Status
Unanimity
Social relationships have a positive effect on well-being because of
A moderating and direct effect of social support on well-being
Inter group contact reduced Inter group conflict because
People can learn about the out group
People change their behaviour
People reappraise the ingroup
People generate affective ties to the out group
Groupthink Symptoms
Illusion of invulnerability
Collective rationalisation
Belief in inherent morality
Stereotypes views of out group
