The individual and the group + social identity theory Flashcards
Assumptions of the social cultural approach
- Human beings are social animals, and we have a basic need to belong
- Culture influences behaviour
- Humans have a social self our behaviour is influenced by others
Reciprocal determinism
the idea that behaviour is controlled or determined by the individual, through cognitive processes, and by the environment, through external social stimulus events
Social comparison
Comparing abilities, opinions and characteristics to others
Informational social influence
The tendency to conform to the behaviour or opinions of others because we believe they possess more accurate information or expertise leading us to believe they are right
Normative social influence
When individuals conform to group norms and behaviours to be liked and accepted, often driven by a fear of social rejection or discomfort
Conformity
When we adapt our behaviour to be in line with others
Confederate
a person who pretends to be a participant but is actually working for the researcher, often to observe reactions of real participants in a controlled setting
Asch paradigm
a series of psychological studies conducted by Solomon Asch in the 1950s that demonstrate the power of social pressure and conformity, showing how individuals often yield to a group’s opinion, even when it contradicts their own perception
Social identity theory
Argues that a person has several social selves that correspond to group membership
Social categorisation
The process of classifying people into groups based on similar characteristics (gives rise to in groups and out groups)
In group
A group an individual identifies with
Out group
A group an individual doesn’t identify with
In group favouritism
The tendency to favour members of one’s own group over those in other groups
positive distinctiveness
the human tendency to make one’s own group (in-group) appear more positive and valued compared to other groups (out-groups)
