Group Dynamics is a crucial area of study within psychology, particularly within the International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus. It explores how individuals behave, interact, and influence each other within a group setting. Understanding group dynamics is essential for comprehending social behavior, conflict resolution, and the development of social norms and roles. This study note document will delve into key concepts, theories, and studies related to Group Dynamics, as outlined in the IB Psychology syllabus.
Social Identity Theory (SIT) was developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1972. It posits that a person's sense of who they are is based on their group membership(s). The theory suggests that groups (e.g., social class, family, football team) are an important source of pride and self-esteem. Groups give us a sense of social identity: a sense of belonging to the social world.
To investigate the minimal conditions required for discrimination to occur between groups.
Schoolboys from the UK, aged 14-15.
Ingroup favoritism can be manipulated via the minimal groups paradigm. Simply knowing that another (rival) group exists is enough to suggest the idea of 'us' and 'them'.
Note
Ingroup favoritism and outgroup discrimination can occur even in the absence of direct competition or conflict.
To investigate the ways in which prejudice and discrimination affect social identity.
44 teenagers aged 12-16 years old from Brixton, South London.
Social identity is influenced by the perceptions and attitudes of others. The ingroup (Brixton residents) developed a positive social identity despite negative outgroup (outsiders) perceptions.
Example
Consider how sports fans identify strongly with their team and may develop negative views of rival teams, even if they have no personal interactions with members of those teams.
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior. It suggests that people can learn new behaviors by watching others and that internal cognitive processes play a crucial role in this learning.
To investigate if social behaviors (i.e., aggression) can be acquired by observation and imitation.
72 children (36 boys and 36 girls) aged 3-6 years from Stanford University Nursery School.
Children can learn social behaviors such as aggression through the process of observational learning.
Common Mistake
Assuming that observational learning only applies to negative behaviors. Positive behaviors can also be learned through observation.
To explore how social cognitive factors influence health behaviors in adolescents.
Adolescents from various high schools.
Social cognitive factors, including peer influence and self-efficacy, play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors in adolescents.
Tip
When studying SCT, focus on the interaction between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.
Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person or thing. They can be positive or negative and can influence social interactions and behavior.
To investigate illusory correlation based on group size as a key factor in the formation of stereotypes.
40 undergraduate students from a university in New York state, USA.
Illusory correlation may be based on group size, with smaller groups appearing more distinctive and thus more likely to be associated with negative behaviors.
Example
Consider how minority groups are often stereotyped based on the actions of a few individuals, leading to generalized negative perceptions.
To investigate the effect of stereotype threat on intellectual performance.
Male and female university students.
Stereotype threat can negatively impact performance, particularly for groups that are stereotyped as being less capable in certain domains.
Note
Stereotype threat can lead to anxiety and reduced performance, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Understanding group dynamics is essential for comprehending social behavior and the development of social norms and roles. Key theories such as Social Identity Theory and Social Cognitive Theory provide valuable insights into how individuals interact within groups and how group membership influences behavior. Additionally, the formation and effects of stereotypes highlight the importance of addressing and mitigating negative biases in social interactions.
By studying these concepts and key studies, students can gain a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying group dynamics and their impact on individual behavior.