7A
Social Groups and Culture
Social Groups and Culture
True or False: In psychology, a group is defined as any collection of people in the same place at the same time, such as strangers waiting at a bus stop.
False. To be a psychological group, members must also interact, influence each other, and share a common goal or objective.
True or False: Obedience involves following a direct command from an authority figure, whereas conformity involves adjusting behavior to match the group without a direct order.
True. Obedience is a response to authority, while conformity is a response to social pressure or group norms.
True or False: Media can have both positive influences, like rapid access to emergency information, and negative influences, like the spread of misinformation.
True
True or False: When an individual achieves independence, they are less likely to be influenced by the beliefs and expectations of others.
True
What is the term for an individual’s reduction in effort when performing work in a group compared to working alone?
Social Loafing
In Milgram’s experiment, which factor was found to decrease the likelihood of a participant obeying the authority figure?
The presence of a disobedient peer or group pressure from others who refuse to obey.
What psychological process occurs when people compare their own lives to the curated "highlight reels" of others on social media?
Social Comparison.
According to Self-Determination Theory, what are the three basic psychological needs that foster independence?
Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness.
According to Social Identity Theory, why do individuals often favor their "in-group" over an "out-group"?
To enhance their own sense of self-esteem.
What phenomenon describes the loss of self-awareness and individuality that can occur in a large group, leading to a diffusion of responsibility?
Deindividuation.
Provide an example of how media can positively influence information access during a crisis.
Use of emergency apps like ‘Fires Near Me Australia’ or government websites to find immediate medical advice.
How does anti-conformity differ from simple independence?
Anti-conformity is a deliberate act to go against group norms, while independence is making a decision based on personal values without regard for the norm.
Which type of culture prioritizes social harmony and group needs over personal independence and success?
Collectivist Culture.
In Asch’s experiment, how did having a single confederate give the correct answer (breaking unanimity) affect the participant's level of conformity?
Conformity decreased significantly because the participant felt they had social support.
How can the "changing nature of social connections" due to digital media lead to a negative influence on behavior?
It can lead to superficial connections and a sense of isolation within abstract online communities.
What is reactance, and how is it related to "reverse psychology"?
Reactance is the psychological tension felt when a freedom of choice is threatened, causing the individual to do the opposite of what is demanded to reclaim that freedom.
What is the difference between a formal and informal group norm?
Formal norms are explicitly outlined rules (e.g., a school uniform), while informal norms are unwritten and inferred, often through social consequences like hostility or exclusion (e.g., taking turns to pay for meals).
What is Groupthink, and how does it impact a group's decision-making process?
Groupthink is when a group's desire for unanimity and harmony overrides a realistic appraisal of the situation, often leading to poor or extreme decisions.
Explain how the spread of unproven theories or misinformation online can negatively impact group behavior.
It can create a false sense of hope or lead to dangerous behaviors during periods of uncertainty.
Why is anti-conformity often perceived more positively in individualist cultures compared to collectivist cultures?
In individualist cultures, anti-conformity is seen as self-expression, whereas in collectivist cultures, it may be seen as a risk to group harmony.