Theories of groups and inter-group behaviour

Question 1

What is Interdependence Theory?

Answer 1

Interdependence theory posits that successful relationships involve the mutual exchange of desirable rewards with others. It is rooted in social exchange, where individuals interact based on the balance of rewards and costs

Question 2

How do rewards, costs, and outcomes relate to each other?

Answer 2

Rewards: Positive results from interactions.
Costs: Negative consequences.
Outcomes: Net profit or loss (outcomes = rewards - costs).
Individuals evaluate outcomes based on what they expect from relationships and how well they think they can do with other partners

Question 3

How does transformational activity relate to conflict resolution?

Answer 3

During conflicts, transformational activity involves adjusting motives and behaviors.
Effective communication, empathy, and compromise are essential.
Transformational processes can lead to conflict resolution or escalation.

Question 4

What role does transformational activity play in risk-taking behaviors?

Answer 4

Individuals assess risks based on relationship-specific motives and social norms.
Trust and cooperation affect willingness to take risks.

Question 5

How does transformational activity extend to larger groups beyond individual interactions?

Answer 5

Interdependence theory applies to social dilemmas, intergroup relations, and stereotype maintenance.
Transformational processes impact group dynamics and collective outcomes.

Question 6

Berkowitz reformation

Answer 6

Frustration is a subjective experience. Fundamental cause of aggression was not necessarily frustration, but an aversive event.

Question 7

Berkowits limitations

Answer 7

Aggression conceived as irrational and spontaneous.
Individual explanation for intergroup behaviour.
no consideration of social norms.
No explanation for intergroup cooperation.

Question 8

Relative deprivation theory

Answer 8

Argues that the basic cause for aggression is a discrepancy between the standard of living people have, and the standard of living they think they’re entitled to.

Question 9

Egositic deprivation

Answer 9

One’s sense that you have less than you’re entitled to relative to your own aspirations or relative to what other individuals have.

Question 10

Fraternalistic relative deprivation

Answer 10

sene that your group has less that it’s entitled to relative to its aspirations or relative to what other groups have.

Question 11

Limitations of relative deprivation

Answer 11

1. Sometimes associated with greater generosity towards minorities.
2. it is relative gratification that is associated with prejudice and intolerance.

Question 11

Realistic conflict theory

Answer 11

Sherif-intergroup aggression is caused primarily by competition for scarce resources (group interest in conflict with another group’s).

Question 12

Difference between intergroup and intragroup perspectives

Answer 12

Intergroup perspectives focus on how groups interact with each other, often highlighting conflict, competition, and biases.
Intragroup perspectives, on the other hand, focus on the dynamics within a single group, such as conformity, cooperation, and groupthink.

Question 13

According to interdependence theory, what are the different strategies that individuals might engage in?

Answer 13

Cooperation (maximising collective welfare), Competition (maximising one’s own welfare relative to others)
Individualism (maximising one’s own welfare independent of others)
depending on the perceived costs and benefits of each strategy in a given social context

Question 14

Interdependence theory help us understand decisions of individuals and groups in social settings

Answer 14

Illustrate how individuals weigh the potential outcomes of their actions in relation to others. It can explain why individuals sometimes choose to cooperate, compete, or even sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the group

Question 15

How did Berkowits reformation strengthen frustration aggression theory

Answer 15

By suggesting that frustration leads to a readiness for aggression, but aggression will only occur if there are certain cues present in the environment that can trigger this aggression

Question 16

How are perceptions (relative to objective truths) important

Answer 16

because they shape our understanding of social reality. For example, our perception of an outgroup’s behavior can be influenced by our biases, leading to stereotypes and prejudices