Paper 2 Terms: Group Dynamics

Question 1

Ingroup

Answer 1

Processes within a group one belongs in.

Question 2

Inter-group Processes

Answer 2

Processes or interactions between the ingroup and outgroup.

Question 3

Group Mind

Answer 3

• The power of a group to shape individuals’ behavior and make them act totally out of character, performing acts they would never have dreamed of on their own.
• Mob Mentality
• Deindividuation

Question 4

Deindividuation

Answer 4

Being part of a group causes the members to become anonymous and, therefore, free from social norms and the need to act in a socially desirable manner.

Question 5

How do we select the group we want to participate in?

Answer 5

• Social Exchange Theory
• Prior positive experience with similar groups.

Question 6

Social Exchange Theory

Answer 6

People want to join a group that offers them the maximum reward.

Question 7

Realistic Group Conflict Theory

Answer 7

• Explain intergroup conflict. Intergroup conflict can arise when groups have opposing goals and compete for limited resources. Conflict often occurs because one group’s success in gaining resources prevents the other group from doing so.
• Leads to groups developing ingroup norms, ingroup favoritism.

Question 8

Robbers Caves Studies

Answer 8

• In 1961, 22 boys in the same age range (11-12 years old), religion, race, and similar socioeconomic background went to the summer camp. In the first days, they let the boys do activities; then, on day 3, the researchers separated the boys into two teams (bonding stage). They told the boys that they were hosting a competition, and the prizes were trophies, medals, and pocket knives; the losing team got nothing in return. Immediately, there was an ultra-competitive environment, starting verbal arguments and physical altercations (competition stage). Researchers interviewed these kids and found that ingroup members talked nicely about their group and trash-talked the outgroup (reducing stage). They tried to ease the tensions between the two groups by forcing simulations in which the kids were forced to work together for a common goal, easing tensions between the groups.
• To ease tensions with someone you despise, work together with them.