22 Questions
What is the purpose of exposing pro-conflict participants to more extreme pro-conflict arguments in paradoxical thinking?
To test and understand the extremity of their beliefs and potentially find common ground.
According to Bronfenbrenner's (1961) findings, what is a characteristic of criticisms between conflicting groups?
Criticisms are strikingly similar, forming a 'mirror image' of each other.
What is the psychological function of war and conflict in terms of group solidarity?
War and conflict lead to increased ingroup solidarity, as people 'pull together' to face the external threat.
What happens to internal critics during wartime?
Internal critics often keep quiet due to extreme pressure.
What did Ariyanto, Hornsey, and Gallois (2010) find in their study on Muslim Indonesians' responses to criticism?
Muslim Indonesians were more accepting of criticism from an ingroup member (another Muslim) than an outgroup member (a Christian).
What is the relationship between perceived polarization and the level of conflict?
Polarization can serve as a foundation for collective change, but it can also exacerbate conflict.
How does self-categorization theory relate to intergroup conflict?
Self-categorization theory explains how individuals derive their sense of identity from group membership, leading to intergroup conflict.
What is the group polarization effect, and how can it contribute to conflict escalation?
The group polarization effect is the phenomenon where group discussions lead to more extreme opinions, potentially escalating conflict.
What is the phenomenon where group discussion leads to more extreme attitudes, according to Myers and Bishop (1970)?
Group Polarisation Effect
What is the theory that explains how individuals categorise themselves as members of a group, leading to polarisation?
Self-categorisation Theory (SCT)
What is the principle that explains how individuals accentuate differences between groups and minimise within-group differences?
Meta-contrast principle
What is the outcome of perceiving polarisation, according to Self-categorisation Theory?
We believe outgroup members hold more extreme ideologies than they actually do, and overestimate polarisation between social groups.
What is the theory that explains how group formation and intergroup contexts lead to polarisation?
Social Identity Theory
What is the result of the Group Polarisation Effect, as observed by Myers and Bishop (1970)?
Participants with low prejudice displayed lower prejudice after discussion, and those with high prejudice displayed higher prejudice after discussion.
What is the underlying mechanism driving the Group Polarisation Effect?
Exposure to novel and compelling arguments supporting one's own position, social comparison, and self-categorisation.
What is the outcome of perceived polarisation, according to Robinson et al. (1995) and Enders and Armaly (2019)?
Overestimation of polarisation between social groups.
What is the primary outcome of group discussion in the context of polarisation, according to social psychological research?
People adopt more extreme positions.
Which theoretical approach explains how individuals derive a sense of identity and belonging from the groups they belong to, leading to intergroup conflict and polarisation?
Social Identity Theory
What is the concept that describes the division of a society into opposing groups, often resulting in conflict and extreme attitudes?
Polarisation
According to the study by Myers and Bishop (1970), what was the outcome of group discussion on racial prejudice among participants?
Participants' racial prejudice increased after discussion with like-minded others.
What is the concept that describes the tendency for individuals to perceive their own group as more moderate and the out-group as more extreme, leading to increased polarisation?
Perceived polarisation
Which theory explains how individuals categorise themselves and others into groups, leading to a sense of identity and belonging, and subsequent group polarisation?
Self-categorisation Theory
Study Notes
Paradoxical Thinking
- Exposing pro-conflict participants to more extreme pro-conflict arguments can lead to promising results in resolving the conflict
- Using leading questions that are more extreme than the conflict-supporting beliefs held by participants can be an effective approach
Psychological Functions of War and Conflict
- War and conflict can provide meaning and a sense of purpose
- They can serve as an arena for extreme acts of bravery and heroism
- They can satisfy people's need for conflict and domination
- They can help build ingroup solidarity and cause people to rally around a leader
Mirror Images
- Bronfenbrenner's (1961) research found that Russians' criticisms of Americans were similar to Americans' criticisms of Russians
- This phenomenon is known as "mirror images in a twisted glass" and is characteristic of major conflicts throughout history
War and Ingroup Solidarity
- When facing an extreme threat from outside, people tend to "pull together" as a natural psychological reaction
- This can lead to internal critics keeping quiet and a strategic function in terms of defeating the enemy
Group Polarisation
- Group polarisation is a phenomenon where people adopt more extreme positions after discussion
- It can lead to increased prejudice and a strengthening of "us versus them" mentality
- Persuasive arguments, social comparison, and self-categorisation can contribute to group polarisation
Self-Categorisation Perspective
- Self-categorisation theory (SCT) suggests that identification with a group leads to conformity to group norms and accentuation of differences between groups
- The meta-contrast principle suggests that differences between groups are accentuated, and differences within groups are minimised
- This can lead to a natural consequence of group formation and intergroup contexts
Perceiving Polarisation
- SCT suggests that people believe outgroup members hold more extreme ideologies than they actually do
- People tend to overestimate polarisation between social groups
The Social Psychology of Group Processes and Social Change
- Polarisation is a social psychological phenomenon that can have significant consequences
- Understanding the basics of polarisation and its various forms can help us address morally charged issues and find solutions
Is Australian Society Getting More Polarised Over Time?
- Polarisation can be a social psychological phenomenon or a division of society into opposing groups
- Understanding the concept of polarisation is crucial in addressing its consequences and finding solutions
This quiz explores a paradoxical thinking approach to conflict resolution, exposing participants to extreme pro-conflict arguments to foster critical thinking and reconciliation.
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