how cna social psychology explain cult behaviour?

Question 1

Definition of a cult?

Answer 1

any group which employs mind control and deceptive recruiting techniques

Question 2

the 4 defining factors of a cult?

Answer 2

• a group of people following a strong, living leader
• a group making absolute claims about the leaders abilities character or knowledge
• a group accepting the leader’s claims
• a member demonstrating complete loyalty to the leader
• a membership dependant on total willingness to obey the leader

Question 3

name 2 examples of cults?

Answer 3

• KKK

- Manson family

Question 4

what is the A01 for this key question?

Answer 4

describing cults

Question 5

what is they key question for social psychology?

Answer 5

how can social psychology explain cult behaviour?

Question 6

what is the A02 for this key question?

Answer 6

applying social psychology knowledge to cults

Question 7

what is the A03 for this key question? (2)

Answer 7

• evaluating the issue

- evaluating the extent to which social psychology knowledge can apply to cult behaviours

Question 8

how do cults affect society? (3)

Answer 8

• some cases where cults have committed murders e.g. manson family
• over 500 cults in the UK-need to be cautious incase they commit murders

Question 9

how many active cults are there in the UK?

Answer 9

500

Question 10

how can agency theory apply to cult behaviours? (3)

Answer 10

• cult members are in the agentic state when obeying cult leader
• cult leader views as authority figure
• cult members give up their free will to follow orders-avoid moral strain as some actions may go against their morals

Question 11

how can social impact theory apply to cult behaviour? (3)

Answer 11

• members view cult leader as authority figure-importance of person
• cult members usually live together-close proximity-immediacy
• there’s usually a big number of members in cult- more believers=more obedience- number of people

Question 12

give an example of a cult that can be explained well with social impact theory?

Answer 12

the Manson family- Charles manson=important person-authority figure

• all lived together on a secluded ranch
• large number of members

Question 13

how can realistic conflict theory apply to cult behaviour?

Answer 13

-com-petition for resources- cult members may willingly follow cult leader’s orders for approval