Social Behaviour - The influence of groups

Question 1

During group activity what are the 2 possible outcomes?

Answer 1

1) Social facilitation results in better performance in competition and if being observed.
2) Social inhibition leads to pooorer performance when tasks get more complex if in a group.

Question 2

What is social loafing?

Answer 2

People work less hard in large social groups

Question 3

Name 3 ways to reduce social loafing

Answer 3

1) making individual contributions identifiable
2) Emphasise valuable individual contributions
3) keep the group size at an appropriate level

Question 4

What is risky shift?

Answer 4

Group consensus is nearly always more risky than an individual decision

Question 5

what is Group polarization?

Answer 5

group discussion strengthens the average inclination of group members.

Question 6

define the term “social norms”

Answer 6

Shared beliefs about appropriate conduct. Explicit or implicit causing behaviours that characterise groups. (inherently resistant to change)

Question 7

What are the 2 pro-social behaviour norms?

Answer 7

1) Social responsibilty norms = give freely to those in need.
2) The reciprocity norm = help people who help us.

Question 8

Conformity : describe the solomon ash trials.
what % conformed?
Why did they conform?
Who conformed?

Answer 8

In a series of trials:
25% followed on their own judjement.
50% conformed to 1/2 the trials.
5% conformed to all the trials.

Conformed to avoid social ridicule or disapproval.

Personality has an effect on who conforms. (low self esteem more likely).
However situational factors are more important.

Question 9

Name 3 other group influences

Answer 9

1) De-individuation = anonymity
2) De-humanisation = victims made anonymous
3) Disinhinition = lack of restraint and disregard for social norms.