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Social Psychology Notes

Autor:   •  September 6, 2016  •  Course Note  •  2,672 Words (11 Pages)  •  1,052 Views

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Chapter 8- Social Psychology

Groups

Definition of a group:

2 or more people who interact with each other and influence each other for more than a short period of time. Group members don’t have to like each other or be friends.

3 key reasons why people choose to join groups:

  1. The need to ‘belong’, or to give & receive attention & affection
  2. To obtain knowledge, skills & goals
  3. To develop a social identity based on the group

Additional reasons why people join groups:

  • Humans are overwhelmingly social & get a great deal out of being part of a group
  • Being a part of a group defines you as an individual & group member
  • Group roles enable you to build self-concept & self-esteem

3 aspects of group membership- social norms, social roles & social status:

Social norms

  • Standards that govern what is expected in society & social situations
  • Different groups have different behavioural standards
  • Breaking the ‘rules’ can lead to punishment by the group or being thrown out of the group
  • Rules may either be written or simply understood but not written

Social roles

  • Activities taken on by individuals for the benefit of the group
  • Each role has a set of social norms or rules that set the expected standard of behaviour for the person in the position
  • Different roles are associated with different social status levels

 

Social status

  • Refers to the level of prestige or importance of a person within a group
  • Members in high status roles receive respect or are admired by other group members
  • The leader (highest social status) usually has the greatest power & influence over other group members

 

Characteristics of groups:

  • ‘Members’ must have extended interaction with one another
  • Stability & endurance of group
  • Perception that the group is composed of all its member
  • The sharing of common goals & the undertaking of similar tasks
  • Members recognise and value these characteristics

When do people feel they are a part of a group? (Insko & colleagues, 1998)

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