Groups and Interdependence in Social Psychology

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Questions and Answers

According to Thibaut and Kelley, what is the primary characteristic that defines a group?

Interdependence of members

What is the main difference between a sociological group and a psychological group, according to Deutsch?

A sociological group exists when individuals pursue promotively interdependent goals, while a psychological group exists when individuals perceive themselves as pursuing promotively interdependent goals.

What are the five factors that contribute to the perception of a unit or group, according to Heider?

Proximity, similarity, interpersonal liking, familiarity, and context

According to Tajfel and Turner, what are the three essential components of a group?

Perceiving themselves as members of the same social category, sharing emotional involvement, and achieving social consensus Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of cognitive depersonalization, according to Turner?

A process based on Gestalt principles that enables individuals to perceive themselves as members of a group Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the interdependence theory of group formation?

The interdependence of group members Signup and view all the answers

What are the two key features of a group organization, according to Sherif?

Differentiated status positions and roles, and norms regulating behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for group formation, according to Sherif?

Interdependence among individuals in achieving common goals Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying concern in debates about groups?

The reality of groups, whether they are simply collections or aggregates of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key element in Lewin's definition of a group?

Interdependence of the members. Signup and view all the answers

Can a group consist of members who are very dissimilar?

Yes, a group can consist of very dissimilar parts and still have a high degree of unity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of group formation?

Interdependence among members. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in promotive interdependence?

Interdependence among members. Signup and view all the answers

How does group organization impact group processes?

It can either facilitate or hinder group processes, depending on the organization's structure and dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What role do norms play in group formation and maintenance?

Norms help establish expectations and guidelines for group behavior, promoting cohesion and unity. Signup and view all the answers

How do roles impact group dynamics?

Roles can define responsibilities and expectations, promoting coordination and cooperation within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social psychology according to the lecture?

How individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the theory that explains how individuals categorize themselves and others into groups?

Social Identity & Categorisation Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 5 x 3-hour labs in the course?

To work through a handbook and complete an assessable component at the end of each lab Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Course Coordinator and Lecturer for PSYC3002?

Charlie Crimston Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of Week 9's lecture?

Deviance & Dissent Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the theory that explains how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations?

Interdependence Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of norms in group dynamics?

To establish standards and expectations for group behaviour Signup and view all the answers

What is the topic of Week 11's lecture?

Leadership Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Overview

The course is PSYC3002, Social Psychology of Group Processes and Social Change, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes that shape human behavior in social contexts.
The course aims to apply this knowledge to address real-world problems and promote positive social change, focusing on the ways in which individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations.

Social psychology is the scientific study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social situations, examining the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes that occur when individuals interact with others.
It explores topics such as social influence, interpersonal relationships, and group dynamics, providing a framework for understanding human behavior in social contexts.

Course Outline

In Week 1, the course introduces the general principles and concepts of social psychology, providing a foundation for understanding the social processes that shape human behavior.
Week 2 explores the theories of groups and intergroup behavior, examining the ways in which groups form, interact, and influence individual behavior.
Week 3 delves into social identity and categorization theory, discussing how individuals perceive and categorize themselves and others in social contexts.
The course continues to explore various topics in social psychology, including social influence, attitudes and persuasion, group decision-making, and social change, culminating in Week 12.

Lecture and Lab Details

The course consists of 5 x 3-hour labs, each with an assessable component due at the end of the lab, providing hands-on experience with social psychology research and applications.
For any queries regarding lab allocation, assessment extension, or general course information, students can contact [email protected].
Specific lab or assessment questions should be directed to the student's tutor, who can provide guidance and support throughout the course.

Reflection Questions

What is a Group?

What are the defining features of groups, and how do they differ from aggregations of individuals?
Can we understand all group processes once we have a full understanding of interpersonal processes, or are there unique aspects of group behavior that cannot be reduced to individual interactions?
Can there be leaders without groups, or are leaders an inherent aspect of group dynamics?
What is the best way to reduce and/or eliminate prejudice, and what strategies have been shown to be effective in promoting intergroup harmony?
Do people make better decisions in groups or alone as individuals, and what are the factors that influence decision-making in group contexts?
Is conflict between groups inevitable, or are there ways to mitigate and resolve intergroup conflicts?

Theories of Groups

Debates about groups centre on concerns about the reality of groups, with some arguing that groups are mere collections of individuals and others positing that groups are distinct entities with their own characteristics and dynamics.
Are groups real or just collections of individuals, and what are the implications of each perspective for understanding group behavior?

Focusing on Interdependence

Kurt Lewin's definition of a group emphasizes the interdependence of members, highlighting the ways in which individuals rely on each other to achieve common goals.
John Thibaut and Harold Kelley's perspective emphasizes the mutual dependence of individuals, suggesting that groups form when individuals perceive themselves to be interdependent.
Muzafer Sherif's definition of a group focuses on the common goals and activities that bring individuals together, highlighting the role of shared goals and interests in group formation.
Morton Deutsch's distinction between sociological and psychological groups highlights the different levels of analysis in understanding group behavior, with sociological

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of groups and interdependence in social psychology, including definitions and characteristics of groups.