Social Categorization

Question 1

Tajfel: social categorization and self categorization

Answer 1

minimal groups paradigm is an example of social categorization
simply belonging to a group isn’t enough. Have to categorize using the group.
When we categorize we start treating each other (and self) as tokens of group

Question 2

Categorizing is

Answer 2

ubiquitous and fundamental. It gives meaning to sensory information and simplifies thinking

Question 3

GRQ: Basic categories:

Answer 3

level of abstraction for a category that provides the best trade-off between generality and specificity (dog, mammal, golden retriever)

Question 3

Examples of basic social categories

Answer 3

gender, race, and age

Question 4

GRQ: What are three consequences of social categorization?

Answer 4

1.) Perceptual accentuation: we exaggerate difference between categories
2.) Outgroup homogeneity: we exaggerate the similarity of outgroup members (all bees look the same, all ants look the same)
3.) Stereotyping: applying generalizations about the category to individual members

Question 5

categorization can be

Answer 5

involuntary: who likes to play video games (between grandfather, teenage girl, or little boy)

Question 6

GRQ: How does categorization change perception?

Answer 6

categorization changes perception of the evidence (cops brutality and race, unintended bias in the lab, harmless tools were mistaken for guns when paired with Black faces when responding quickly)