Issues and Debates: Social and Cultural Issues in Psychology

Question 1

Define society.

Define social issue.

Answer 1

1. A large group of ppl living together

2. Situation of conflict within a society

Question 2

How does obedience explain a social issue in society?

Answer 2

Milgram could partly explain high levels of obedience and anti-Semitism during Nazi regime

Question 3

How does conformity explain a social issue in society?

Answer 3

2011: London riots could be explained by:
- ISI: imitated group’s hostile behaviour and internalised their norms
- NSI: perceived pressure to fit in

Question 4

How does deindividuation explain a social issue in society?

Answer 4

Nazi aggression can be explained by uniforms - facilitate deindividuation

Question 5

How does the bystander effect explain a social issue in society?

Answer 5

1. Pluralistic ignorance and diffusion of responsibility
   - German citizens not helping b/c others
2. Noticing the event
   - may have failed to realise level of persecution for Jews
3. High cost of helping
   - German citizens likely to be imprisoned for helping

Question 6

Define culture.

Answer 6

1. Beliefs, practices and traditions of a society

2. Two types: Individualistic and Collectivist

Question 7

What are the features of an individualistic culture?

Answer 7

1. Typically Western

2. Emphasises independence, autonomy, individuality

Question 8

What are the features of an collectivist culture?

Answer 8

1. Typically Eastern

2. Emphasises interdependence. group membership and cooperation

Question 9

How does culture affect obedience?

Answer 9

Individualistic = should suggest lower levels of obedience but Milgram (1963) showed obedience as influenced by the situation not culture

Question 10

How does culture affect conformity?

Answer 10

1. Individualistic = likely to be non-conformist b/c of emphasis on individualism
2. Collectivist = likely to be conformist b/c of emphasis on collectivism
3. 1996: Bond and Smith replica of Milgram found collectivist cultures were more likely to conform

Question 11

How does culture affect deindividuation?

Answer 11

1. Likely to occur in both
2. Collectivist = tribal face paint facilitates deindividuation
3. Individualistic = KKK white robes facilitated deindividuation

Question 12

How does culture affect the bystander effect?

Answer 12

1. Individualistic = facilitate indifference to others’ suffering and self-protecting behaviour
2. Collectivist = strong in-group favouritism
   - likely to help members of the same group than outsiders
3. 1969: Piliavin et al found high incidence of same-race helping