Sciocultural approach Flashcards
What is social identity theory?
Social identity theory is a key theory in the sociocultural approach. The theory argues that we divide the world into “in-groups” and “out-groups” through social categorization. We decide which groups we identify with based on common traits and/or goals. When we join a group, we go through a process of social identification. This is when we conform to the norms of that group and adopt their behaviours. Once we have categorised ourselves as part of a group and have identified with that group we then compare our group to other groups. If our self-esteem is to be maintained our group needs to compare favourably with other groups - what Tajfel called “positive distinctiveness.” SIT argues that our social identities play a key role in our behaviour and cognition.
Studies
Hillard and Liben
What is social cognitive theory
Social cognitive theory was proposed by Albert Bandura. It suggests that human behaviour can be learned through observation, from watching models and imitating their behaviour. Effective modeling requires attention, retention and motivation. In order for the learning to happen, attention must be paid to the model; this can be affected by the authority, attractiveness or the desirability of the models behaviour or the outcome of said behaviour. If the model is seen as being rewarded for a behaviour, the observer will also want to receive such a reward. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. Following the observation, the learner must be able to retain and remember the behaviour. Finally, the learner must have the motivation to repeat the behaviour based on the outcome expectancy. Several factors affect the learner’s motivation to replicate behaviour, such as the likeability of the model, identification with the model and the consistency of the behaviour. In addition, the individual must feel that he can actually do what the model can do - in other words, there must be a feeling of self-efficacy.
Studies
Hillard and Liben & Bandura
Formation of stereotypes + theory
DEFINITION OF STEREOTYPES
A stereotype is defined as a social perception of an individual in terms of their group membership or physical attributes. It is a generalization that is made about a group and then attributed to members of that group. Such a generalization may be either positive or negative.
THE EXPLANATION/THEORY: SIT
One theory, among others, that can explain stereotyping is SIT.
Social identity theory argues that our identity and behavior are influenced by the groups we belong to. We choose groups we belong to (called in-groups) based on traits that we think are similar to our own and stereotypes are formed based on this natural process of social categorization.. SIT argues that we divide the world into in-groups and out-groups. We identify with our group and begin to conform to the norms of our group. This is called social identification. We also compare our in-group to the out-group. This is called social comparison. We tend to see our in-group as superior, which means that we engage in something called downward comparison. We also see the out-group as all sharing common traits. This is called out-group homogeneity and this is the basis for stereotyping. Often these traits are negative. This is a way of justifying that our in-group is better than the out-group and raises our self-esteem
Studies
Hillard and Liben
Effects of stereotypes
DEFINITION OF STEREOTYPES
A stereotype is defined as a social perception of an individual in terms of their group membership or physical attributes. It is a generalization that is made about a group and then attributed to members of that group. Such a generalization may be either positive or negative. One effect of stereotypes is memory distortion.
THE EXPLANATION/THEORY: SIT
One theory, among others, that can explain stereotyping is SIT.
Social identity theory argues that our identity and behavior are influenced by the groups we belong to. We choose groups we belong to (called in-groups) based on traits that we think are similar to our own and stereotypes are formed based on this natural process of social categorization.. SIT argues that we divide the world into in-groups and out-groups. We identify with our group and begin to conform to the norms of our group. This is called social identification. We also compare our in-group to the out-group. This is called social comparison. We tend to see our in-group as superior, which means that we engage in something called downward comparison. We also see the out-group as all sharing common traits. This is called out-group homogeneity and this is the basis for stereotyping. Often these traits are negative. This is a way of justifying that our in-group is better than the out-group and raises our self-esteem
Studies
Allport and Postman
Experiments
The individual and the group
Drury, Bandura
Field
Hillard and Liben
Culture and cognition
Kulkofsky in answer (not really sure tbh)
Cultures are made up of a dynamic set of attitudes, behaviors, and rules established and shared by a large group of people, and usually communicated from one generation to the next. One cognitive process that can be influenced by culture is memory. Research by Kuklofsky has shown that certain cultures are more prone to forming flashbulb memories. Flashbulb memories are vivid and long-lasting memories of surprising and emotional events.
Studies
Kulkofsky & Kearins
What is one cultural dimension?
A cultural dimension is a proposition of cultural variability used to explain differences between cultures
A cultural dimension is a perspective of a culture based on values and cultural norms
Cultures around the world differ on these dimensions.
Cultural dimensions are used to
classify cultures
explain, predict and interpret the differences between cultures without relying on stereotypes, personal anecdotes, or impressions
Example: conformity is seen as a positive behavior in some (collectivist) cultures and levels of conformity are also higher in those cultures.
Studies
Kulkofsky, Levine & Cian and Blizinsky
Correlations
Cultural origins of cognition and behaviour
Levine & Blizinsky
Questionnaries
Kulkofsky & Hofstede
What is enculturation?
A significant part of the development of our personal identity is the learning and maintenance of the behaviors and norms of our own culture. This is a process called enculturation. Enculturation can occur through direct tuition – that is, your parents tell you what you are supposed to do. In addition, as we have discussed earlier in this unit, Social Cognitive Theory – or observational learning – plays a key part in this development. Finally, what psychologists call participatory learning is also important. In this type of learning, children engage in an activity and then transfer that learning to later situations.
Studies
Fagot & Hillard and Liben
What is acculturation?
Acculturation is the cultural and psychological change that takes place as a result of contact between two or more cultural groups. When moving to another culture, individuals make choices, both consciously and unconsciously, to what extent they will maintain their own culture versus adopting the culture of their new home country. Berry argued that there are different acculturation strategies. One is assimilation – when a person adopts the cultural behaviours and values of the new culture. If they do this while maintaining their original culture as well, this is called integration. If a person fails to integrate into their new culture and maintains their own culture, this is a form of isolation in society. This is called separation. If the person fails to integrate into the new culture and also loses contact with their home culture, they can experience what Berry called marginalization.
Studies
Berry, Miranda and Matheny & Lueck and Wilson
Interviews
Cultural influences
Semi-structured Lueck and Wilson
Questionnaires
Cultural influences
Miranda and Methany
Naturalistic observations
Cultural influence
Fagot
Drury
Drury London fire simulation Drury investigated whether making one’s social identity salient would lead to increased helping behavior in a simulation of a fire. He carried out an experiment using a virtual reality simulation of a fire in the London underground. Participants could either push people out of the way to get out as quickly as possible, or they could help others, but this would slow their escape from the fire. In one condition, the participants were given a “shared identity” – for example, all fans of the same football team. In the other condition, they were not given a shared identity – for example, “you are on your way back from buying a pair of shoes.” The team found that those who shared a common identity were more likely to help one another, even at risk to their own safety.
