SAQ Socio/Cultural Theories Flashcards
Explain one theory of the formation of stereotypes with reference to one study.
Illusory correlation theory:
The illusory correlation theory states that people may see a relationship between two variables even when there is none. This causes people to overestimate a link between the two variables. Examples of illusory correlation in everyday life include the belief that certain groups of individuals are more prone to violence, or that a certain lifestyle causes certain diseases.
This phenomenon can have serious implications for decision-making and lead to incorrect assumptions about cause and effect.
Explain one example of a potential influence of culture on behavior or cognition
Explain one study of cultural (or social) groups.
Berry at al. - investigated comformity levels of 3 different cultures
A cultural dimension is a pattern of values and behaviours in a culture. The concept of cultural dimensions was developed by Hofstede as a way of discussing and comparing cultures. One cultural dimension is individualism-collectivism.
Individualistic cultures focus on uniqueness, individual achievement, freedom, and self-actualization. Collectivistic cultures focus on social harmony, interdependence, modesty, and group memberships. There are several studies that look at how cultural dimensions may affect the behaviour of members of that culture, but there are questions about the validity of the research.
In individualist societies, the ties between individuals are loose: everyone is expected to look after himself or herself and his or her immediate family. In collectivist societies, from birth onwards people are integrated into strong, cohesive in-groups, often extended families (with uncles, aunts, and grandparents), which provide them with support and protection. However, if an individual does not live up to the norms of the family or the larger social group, the result can sometimes be severe.
Explain one study of assimilation
Assimilation is the process of adopting the cultural and social norms of the dominant culture, often losing aspects of one’s own culture in the process. Often failure to assimilate may lead to marginalization. Psychologists argue that integration, rather than assimilation, is important for the mental health of immigrants, where they would become bicultural, being able to function in both the new culture and their original culture. Assimilation often leads to acculturative stress which can have a negative effect on mental health.
LUECK AND WILSON
