Social identity theory and intergroup relations

Question 1

define stereotypes

Answer 1

Impressions of groups that people form by associating the groups with particular characteristics

Question 2

define prejudice

Answer 2

Positive or negative evaluations of a social group or its members

Question 3

define discrimination

Answer 3

Positive or negative behaviour directed toward a social group or its members

Question 4

name three theories of bias

Answer 4

Social identity theory Realistic conflict theory
Intergroup threat theory

Question 5

what is social identity theory

Answer 5

We derive self-esteem from our valued group memberships
Share and adopt opinions with our in group in order to feel validated

Question 6

what does self identity theory lead to towards outgroups

Answer 6

belief that outgroups are inferior

Question 7

define self-categorisation

Answer 7

seeing oneself as a member of a social group

Question 8

how does group membership effect self esteem

Answer 8

when our group wins we feel great

Question 9

what do we tend to do when groups win

Answer 9

refer to group as “we” during wins and “them” during losses

Question 10

explain method of Brewer and Weber

Answer 10

-random assignment to estimation task
-told either consistent with majority or minority
-shown video of either majority or minority performing poorly or well on academic task

Question 11

What are the findings for individuals in the majority

Answer 11

majority performance is good =we feel bad
majority performance is bad = we feel good

Question 12

explain the findings for the minority

Answer 12

If minority performance is good = we feel good
If minority performance is bad = we feel bad

Question 13

what does minimal group paradigm suggest

Answer 13

groups can be made arbitrarily

Question 14

examples of arbitrary groups

Answer 14

colour of t shirt
coin toss

Question 15

why is minimal group paradigm useful

Answer 15

allow us to study group effects in a vacuum
suggests group conflict is innate

Question 16

what is outgroup homogeneity effect

Answer 16

Seeing outgroup as less diverse than in-group
Fewer outgroup members known

Question 17

how did Bilig and Tafiel investigate outgroup homogeneity effect

Answer 17

Schoolboys divided into arbitrary groups
Divide points between in vs outgroup
Generally favoured in group members

Question 18

what is the categorisation-competition hypothesis

Answer 18

Viewing people in terms of ingroups and outgroups is sufficient to generate conflict

Question 19

what is realistic group conflict theory

Answer 19

Evolutionary account for group conflict
Groups tend to compete when resources are contested e.g. land, welfare and oil

Question 20

what is realistic group conflict theory supported by

Answer 20

Robber’s cave experiments

Question 21

what does intergroup threat theory suggest

Answer 21

biases come from two types of perceived threats

Question 22

what are the two types of threats in intergroup threat theory

Answer 22

-symbolic threats e.g. loss of status
-realistic threats e.g. loss of physical resources

Question 23

how is intergroup threat theory different from previous theories

Answer 23

previous theories emphasised realistic threats

Question 24

why may an outgroup often be seen as a moral exclusion

Answer 24

to justify aggression, hate crimes and genocide

Question 25

define blatant discrimination

Answer 25

Unequal and harmful treatment that is intentional and visible

Question 26

what is subtle discrimination

Answer 26

Unequal and harmful treatment that is typically less visible and subtle
Can be either active or passive

Question 27

what is covert discrimination

Answer 27

Unequal and harmful treatment that is hidden, purposeful and often malicious
Attempts to ensure failure in situations

Question 28

what are microaggressions

Answer 28

Small-scale, everyday behaviours that demean other social groups or members of those groups
Behaviour can be verbal or non-verbal

Question 29

how is prejudice related to discrimination

Answer 29

Small correlations between prejudice and discrimination
Prejudice alone not sufficient enough to promote discrimination

Question 30

what is theory of planned behaviour

Answer 30

Prejudiced attitudes can influence behaviour
Attitudes interact with social norms and expectations to act morally

Question 31

what are internal motivations to control prejudice

Answer 31

stems from personal beliefs that prejudice is wrong
People high in internal motivation are more likely to recognize conflict between prejudices and actions

Question 32

what are external motivations to control prejudice

Answer 32

○ a result of social pressure
○ People often feel irritated and resentful as a result
Does not necessarily prevent discrimination