SCLOA Principles

Question 1

Principle 1

Answer 1

Humans are social animals with a basic need to belong

Question 2

Describe principle 1

Answer 2

This principle suggests that humans do not want to be isolated and we are motivated to maintain friendships and relationships. Biological and cognitive systems are part of a greater system of interrelationships with others. This principle is based on the evolutionary argument, that the human species has evolved as a result of cooperation within a group.

Question 3

Explain which study supports principle 1

Answer 3

Asch (1957)
75% of participants conformed at least once even though they later admitted in post experiment interviews that they knew they were giving the incorrect answer but did so due to fear of being ridiculed and outcast from the group. This emphasises how their innate basic need to belong, was more powerful and important to them than being right.

Question 4

Principle 2

Answer 4

Culture influences behaviour

Question 5

Describe principle 2

Answer 5

Our behaviour is influenced by cultural norms and expectations, which can be an unconscious process. Cultural norms both implicit and explicit established by groups in order to ensure their survival, involving attitudes, beliefs, norms and behaviour that are passed down from generation to generation. These create a set of schemas which helps us to interpret the world and how to behave in situations.

Question 6

Explain how dimensions of culture link to principle 2

Answer 6

Hofstede proposed dimensions of culture which play a role in our behaviour. One of these dimensions is known as individualism vs collectivism and refers to how members of a society interact and socialise with each other to develop identities either individualistically (ties between individuals are loose) or collectively (ties between individuals are tight)

Question 7

Explain which study supports principle 2

Answer 7

Bond and Smith (1996)
they found that conformity rates were higher in collectivist cultures e.g. Fiji, Japan, than in individualist cultures such as the UK or USA. Therefore it demonstrates how cultural characteristics affect behaviour. In collectivist cultures the emphasis is on achieving group harmony rather than individual achievement. Therefore meaning that conformity to group norms is an expectation in collectivist cultures.