Social identity and self categorisation theory Flashcards
What is intergroup behaviour?
The perception and behaviour that is influenced by people’s recognition that they are members of distinct social groups.
What is the intergroup perspective?
The idea that a large amount of social behaviour is influenced by the social categories that we belong to.
What is ethnocentrism?
A preference for all aspects of one’s own group compared to other groups.
What is the difference between intergroup behaviour and interpersonal behaviour?
Intergroup behaviour refers to acting as a group member while interpersonal behaviour refers to acting as an individual.
What is the minimal group paradigm?
The investigation into the minimal conditions required for intergroup behaviour? It was found that mere categorisation of the ‘in’ or ‘out’ group created intergroup bias.
What is social identity theory?
The theoretical account of the relationship between personal and social identity.
What are the two core ideas of social identity theory?
- Society is structured into distinct social groups.
- Social categories provide members with a social identity.
What is the relationship between social identity and personal identity?
Social identity is separate from personal identity and personality traits. An individual has multiple social and personal identities.
What are three key aspects of self categorisation theory?
- Links social identity and self-identity.
- Focuses on ingroup dynamics.
- Operates identity at different levels of inclusiveness.
What is self categorisation theory?
Self categorisation theory is a theory that seeks to understand how, when and why we categorise ourselves as part of certain groups but not of other groups.
What two identities does self catagorisation theory distinguish between? Expand on these.
Personal and social identity.
Personal identity is how we feel as an individual and the traits we have.
Social identity is feeling like you belong to a group and share traits and characteristics with other members of the group.
Describe the differences between the three levels of SCT that are important to self concept?
- Superordinate level (human identity).
- Intermediate level (social identity).
- Subordinate level (personal identity).
What does the level of SCT an individual identifies with affect?
How they relate to others.
What does a categories accessibility depend on?
A category’s accessibility depends on:
- An individual’s immediate social context (situational accessibility).
- The extent to which an individual makes use of a self-categorisation (chronic accessibility).
What is the basis for catagorisation in SCT?
The interaction between a group in relation to accessibility and fit.
What is fit is relation to SCT?
The extent that social categories are perceived to reflect social reality.
What is depersonalisation in SCT?
Depersonalisation is treating the self and others through the lens of the relevant ingroup or outgroup prototype.
Name and describe the two types of fit in SCT.
- Comparative fit is the extent that someone perceives greater similarity between the self and own-group members than between the self and other-group members.
- Normative fit is the extent to which these perceived differences between groups correspond to expected differences in meaning.
What group processes does depersonalisation play a key role in, in SCT?
Cohesion, conformity and leadership.
What famous study can the social identity approach be applied to? And what aspect of it in particular?
Zimbardo (1970).
Highlights the deindividuation of aggression.
What are two other areas the social identity approach can be applied to?
- Stereotyping.
- Bystander effect.
