social identity theory

Question 1

3 processes SIT suggests involves in becoming prejudiced?

Answer 1

-Social categorisation-Automatically putting yourself into a group in group = we tend to see ourselves similar to and out group= being similar to each other
-Social identification-Taking on the norms and values of the group that they have categorised themselves in
-Social comparison- Making your group appear better than the out group to boost your self esteem. Which is done via in group favouritism (see individual’s in their group as unique) and negative out group bias (seeing the other group all the same in an unfavourable light)

Question 2

3 variables that contribute to in-group favouritism

Answer 2

extent individuals identity with the in-group,extent grounds for comparison with out-group,relevance of comparison in relation to in-group

Question 3

the use psychological knowledge in society

Answer 3

lack of equal status contact- interaction or relationship with another person who is on the same level as you
why communities are divided by physical barriers or educational integration often experience conflict
eg in NI

Question 4

Aim of minimal group theory

Answer 4

To show that groups form social identities and that they can produce prejudice (lab experiment using matrices to allocate rewards)

Question 5

Procedure of minimal group theory (Tajfel and Turner) 1971 ?

Answer 5

Study on 64 Bristol group school boys to allocate points to either their own group or another group even though they weren’t aware of the members

Question 6

Results of minimal group theory?

Answer 6

Minimal group theory shows dividing people is enough to cause prejudice. He found boys tended to favour in groups against out groups. Merely being in a group was enough to cause prejudice.

Question 7

GRAVE on minimal group theory:

Answer 7

64 boys from Bristol so can’t be applied to other populations
Can be repeated due to standardised procedures
Demonstrates how segregation leads to discrimination eg Deutsch and Collins (studied desegregated housing project where black and whites shared same housing and compared to a segregated housing block and found desegregated mixed regularly ,held each other in higher regard, and more in favour in inter racial housing.
Well controlled lab exp high internal validity but lacks ecological validity but has received cross-cultural confirmation

Question 8

Evidence PEEC SIT

Answer 8

One strength of Tajfels SIT theory is that it’s supported by his own minimal group studies and more evidence which increases his credibility. For example, Jane Elliot also showed how social categorisation in kids divided by blue eyes and brown eyes can lead to prejudice and discrimination. This provides support for Tajfel’s proposed processes that cause prejudice therefore supporting his theory. However, the theory may not apply cross-culterally as shown by Weatherell who found NZ Polynesians were more likely to favour out groups than show bias to their own. Which shows cultures that emphasis’ collectivism and cooperation are less likely to show prejudice so the theory may not generalise to other cultures.

Question 9

evidence to support social identity theory

Answer 9

lemyre and smith replicated findings and also found discriminating group participants had higher self esteem- so personal identity is linked to SI
cialdini personal identity affected by football team and team as us when won and they when lost
jane elliot

Question 10

individual differences relating to social identity theory

Answer 10

why some people discriminate more against the out-group than others
ignores personality differences eg Postmes et al 2005 individual characteristics that create SI not a social identity that determines characteristics

Question 11

Methodology PEEC SIT

Answer 11

One weakness is that Tajfel’s experiments were lab experiments. For example his minimal group theory taks were allocating money to an in group and an out group using a matrix. This means that demand characteristics may have been present and the tasks were fairly artificial which may mean results don’t apply to everyday life. However, the study was well-controlled with an IV (matrices) and DV (money allocated) which means cause and effect relationship can be est and inferred.

Question 12

Applications/Alternative theory PEEC

Answer 12

The theory is useful as it can issues of conflict between different groups eg football teams. Can be used to reduce prejudice by stopping people being socially categorised (D&C). However, can be argued results from Tajfel’s study may have been motivated by competition