Groups and Interdependence in Social Psychology

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.

What is Social Psychology?

• 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