Social Psych KQ

Question 1

KQ

Answer 1

What makes people commit acts of terrorism against fellow human beings?

Question 2

What is terrorism?

Add examples.

Answer 2

The use or threat of action to influence a government or intimidate the public for a political or religious cause. Eg. bombings, hostage taking and hi-jacking

Question 3

4 points

Why is this an important KQ for today’s society?

Answer 3

1. According to MI5, the threat from terrorism has increased significantly from the 1960s and is now at an all-time high for the UK
2. Terrorism affects our public safety
3. It also affects our quality and enjoyment of life
4. In addition, fighting terrorism is detrimental to the economics of our country

Question 4

Name real terrorist event examples

Answer 4

• 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in the USA
  London Bombings in July 2005 (7/7 bombings)

Question 5

How can Tajfel’s Social Identity Theory be applied to explain this KQ?

Answer 5

SIT suggests that individuals derive a sense of self from their group membership. Terrorists may believe they are in the in-group and anyone else who disagrees is the out-group. Assertion of group’s identity against perceived threats. By identifying with one group they start to take on the identity of the group. In-group favouritism.

Question 6

How can Sherif’s Realistic Conflict Theory be applied to explain this KQ?

Answer 6

Competition between the terrorist and anti-terrorist group; in the form of social/political, which can lead to discrimination. Competition for dominant culture/state.

Question 7

How can Milgram’s Agency Theory be applied to explain this KQ?

Answer 7

Terrorists may be following a leader in a position of authority who may make them obey their commands. Terrorists are therefore obeying the leaders’ authority as they are in the agentic state. Attackers may see themselves as agents of an ideological/political movement.

Question 8

How can Social Identity Theory be applied to help reduce terrorism?

Answer 8

Promoting a shared identity among diverse groups can diminish intergroup hostility and reduce people seeing others as an ‘out-group’.

Question 9

How can Realistic Conflict Theory be applied to help reduce terrorism?

Answer 9

Creating clubs/incorporating positive attitudes towards diversity into classrooms and bringing together individuals from different backgrounds. Collaborative tasks will reduce prejudice.

Question 10

How can the Agency Theory be applied to help reduce terrorism?

Answer 10

Having an awareness of how we go into an agentic state when we obey authority figures.