Defining Group - Psychology Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What defines a group according to Vaughn and Hogg?

Individuals who do not interact with each other.

Two or more individuals who share similar interests.

Individuals connected by shared geographical location.

Two or more individuals who share a common definition and evaluation of themselves. (correct)

What characterizes primary groups?

Goal-focused and professional

Formed spontaneously without planning

High levels of cohesiveness and solidarity (correct)

Large and short-term

According to Forsyth, what characteristic is essential for defining a group?

Members must have a common goal or ambition.

Members must belong to the same geographical area.

Members must be connected to each other by a social relationship. (correct)

Members must share similar personality traits.

Which of the following best describes the nature of a group with only a few members, according to the discussion?

They possess unique characteristics due to their small size. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group is formed deliberately by individuals or authorities for specific purposes?

Planned groups Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the feeling of belonging among group members, according to Johnson's definition?

Weness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an emergent group?

People waiting in line at a concert Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a task group from other types of groups?

They are specifically goal-focused in employment and non-employment settings Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of a group influence its nature according to Forsyth?

Larger groups tend to become more complex and formally structured. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group typically has very permeable boundaries and lasts for only a brief period?

Weak associations Signup and view all the answers

What kind of ties can exist between group members?

Ties can be weak and easily broken. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a group from a category?

Groups emphasize social relationships over shared qualities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of secondary groups?

Achieving specific goals and purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of categories as described in the content?

They represent an aggregation of individuals with shared traits. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a self-organizing group?

They emerge as individuals align their activities cooperatively Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates a primary group?

A close group of childhood friends Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Group

Vaughn and Hogg (2002) define a group as two or more individuals sharing a common self-definition and evaluation.
Johnson (1995) describes a group as a social system with regular interaction and a common identity, fostering a sense of “we-ness” among members.
Forsyth (2007) views a group as two or more individuals connected through social relationships, ranging from two members to thousands.

Characteristics of Group Size

Small groups (2-3 members) possess unique characteristics due to their limited size, offering more intimate dynamics.
As group size increases, complexity and formal structure tend to rise, affecting interaction and relationships.

Nature of Connections Within Groups

Individuals in a group are networked, creating ties that can be either strong (deep emotional bonds) or weak (easily broken relationships).
Weak ties can still lead to significant outcomes across the networked group.
Social connections among members distinguish groups from mere categories, which are simply aggregations of individuals sharing certain traits.

Types of Groups

Primary Groups: Small, long-term relationships focused on face-to-face interaction, high cohesiveness, and member identification (e.g., families, close friends, gangs).
Secondary Groups: Larger, less intimate, goal-oriented groups typical in complex societies (e.g., work groups, unions, professional associations).
Planned Groups: Formed either deliberately by members or by external authority for specific purposes.
- Concocted Groups: Planned by outside authorities (e.g., production lines, military units).
- Founded Groups: Planned by individuals within the group (e.g., study groups, clubs).
Emergent Groups: Spontaneous formations as individuals interact repeatedly over time and settings.
- Circumstantial Groups: Unplanned, arising from external situational forces (e.g., crowds, waiting lines).
- Self-organizing Groups: Evolve from individuals aligning their activities cooperatively (e.g., workplace cliques, study groups).
Intimacy Groups: Moderate-duration, small groups characterized by substantial interaction (e.g., families, romantic couples).
Task Groups: Goal-focused work groups in various settings (e.g., teams, neighborhood associations).
Weak Associations: Spontaneous forms lasting briefly with permeable boundaries (e.g., crowds, audiences).
Social Categories: Aggregations of individuals with similar qualities without the relational ties found in groups.

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Description

Explore the different definitions of a 'group' as presented by various scholars. This quiz will delve into the perspectives of Vaughn and Hogg, and Johnson, analyzing how each defines group dynamics and social identity. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in psychology.