Group Structure and process Flashcards
How does Johnson and Johnson (1987) define a group.
Johnson and Johnson (1987). Seven commonalities in definitions : . Where roles and norms structure the interactions between a collection of individuals, Where two or more individuals perceive themselves as a group
What is group cohesiveness
Hogg and Vaughan (2018) : the property of a group that binds people, as group members, to one another at the the group as a whole, sense of oneness.
What is Festinger (1950) definition of group cohesiveness and what are the issues?
Total field of forces which act upon a member to remain in the group. ‘field of forces’ is ambiguous.
Addressed this by looking at bonds that bind people to one another in groups.
what are the criticism of festingers concept of group cohesiveness.
Problems with reducing cohesiveness to level of interpersonal attraction.
Hogg (1992); Turner (1984).
What does Mudrack (1989) argue
the essential analysis of psychology is at the individual level.
What is the use of using Self-categorisation for explaining cohesiveness
Hogg (1993 ) : used the work of turner (1985) to use self-categorisation for explaining group cohesiveness.
How does self categorisation work and what are the advantages of using this to explain group cohesiveness?
Basic unit of any categorisation is prototype.
Members of a group will be similar to the group prototype. Categorisation de-emphasises individual difference between people - depersonalisation.
Advantage : does not need interpersonal attraction; applicable to group of any size. Still at the level of the individual but does not lose the ‘group’ concept
How does the cognitive system facilitate categorisation?
Maximising similarities between individuals who match a prototype is know as assimilation. when this is combined with contrast (maximise differences between individuals who match different prototypes) its easier to categorise people into groups.
How does categorisation effect cognition?
category effects how relevant information is processed and evaluated. Accounts for prejudice towards out group members and favouritism to in group members.
What is meant by group socialisation?
Hogg and Vaughan (2018) : dynamic relationship between the group and its members that describes the passage of members through a group in terms of commitment and of changing roles.
Explain the group socialisation model
Moreland and Levine (1982,1984) : describe the notion of group socialisation
three basic processes : evaluation ( individual and group evaluate membership), commitment (individual commits to group vice versa), role transition ( change in relationship between individual and group).
Five phases of movement through group:
Investigation, Socialisation, Maintenance, Resocialisation, Remembrance
What are ‘norms’
Hogg and Vaughan, 2008 : shared beliefs about what is the appropriate conduct for a group member.
provide the framework of acceptable behaviour. strongly influence behaviour.
Explain the study that demonstrates the role of norms on behaviour.
Newcomb (1965) : studied student political attitudes at a liberal US college, students internalised and behaved along college norms.
What did Sherif (1936) autokinesis study find
- look to others for cues when not sure how to behave
- others behaviour indicates range of acceptable behaviours
- range of possible behaviours - frame of reference
- how much was the dotted light moving? Alone vs with others
frame of reference internalised.
whats the difference in Aschs line study and Sherifs autokinesis study
sherif : Ps uncertain of movement of spot, Ps look to group for certainty and follow group norm
Asch : studied what would happen even in a certain situation.
