Social Psychology - Lecture Nine

Question 1

Prejudice

Answer 1

Is the holding of derogatory attitudes or beliefs, the expression of negative affect or the display of hostile or discriminatory behaviour toward members of a group on account of their membership in that group

Question 2

Authoritarian personality

Answer 2

A personality type – overly deferential to those in authority whilst hostile towards those perceived as inferior. Associated with a very conventional value system in which ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are clear and distinct

Question 3

Adorno et al (1950) study

Answer 3

Claimed that the Authoritarian Personality was delivered from childhood. Harsh, demanding, parents stifled child’s basic instincts. Child’s aggression then displaced onto others such as ethnic minorities. End result: people who were over deferential and submissive to authority figures and hostile to minorities

Question 4

Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT)

Answer 4

Attitudes reflect the objective interests of the ingroup. Two implicit assumptions
If the interests of two groups coincide, then relations between groups will be harmonious
If there is a conflict of interests between two groups then relations between groups will be hostile

Question 5

Robbers Cave in Oklahoma study

Answer 5

Adults in camp were trained researchers. Boys aged 12, all from white MC homes. All screened before study. Only those from stable homes admitted. Therefore, effects could not be attributed to social or psychological deprivation.

Question 6

Robbers Cave in Oklahoma study stage one

Answer 6

Harmony between groups
Boys divided into 2 groups
Normal camp activities (swimming, canoeing, bushwalking) Initially boys given tasks that emphasised cooperation
Participants developed their own norms, names, leaders, followers, status hierarchies etc.

Question 7

Robbers Cave in Oklahoma study stage two

Answer 7

Hostility between groups
Boys brought into competition with each other.
Series of contests (e.g., tug of war, softball etc.)
Prizes for winner (cup and pen knives), nothing for losers.

Question 8

Minimal Group Paradigm

Answer 8

A scientific attempt to create an ‘empty environment’ where researchers could then systematically add variables that would elicit discrimination