Psychology Chapter 5: Group Dynamics

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Questions and Answers

What is the key premise of Realistic Group Conflict Theory?

The key premise is that groups can become hostile towards each other as they compete for common resources.

Describe the three stages of the Robbers Cave Experiment.

The three stages are: 1) Group Formation, where boys bond in separate groups; 2) Group Conflict, where competition leads to hostility; 3) Conflict Resolution, where superordinate goals encourage cooperation.

How did the introduction of superordinate goals in the Robbers Cave Experiment affect intergroup hostility?

The introduction of superordinate goals reduced intergroup hostility by requiring both groups to work together towards a common goal.

What implications does Realistic Group Conflict Theory have for understanding group dynamics during resource scarcity?

It suggests that hostility between groups can increase when resources are scarce, highlighting the importance of scarce resources in fueling conflict. Signup and view all the answers

List two solutions recommended to mitigate group hostility based on Realistic Group Conflict Theory.

Recommended solutions include valuing diversity in members and perspectives and intentionally seeking out external perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way groups can help individuals in decision-making?

Groups can legitimize decisions by providing collective support. Signup and view all the answers

How does social identity theory explain our behavior towards in-groups and out-groups?

Social identity theory suggests we favor in-groups to enhance our identity while often stereotyping out-groups negatively. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of groupthink?

A key characteristic of groupthink is the prioritization of group harmony over individual opinions. Signup and view all the answers

List two symptoms of groupthink as identified by Janis.

Two symptoms are a feeling of invulnerability and collective rationalization. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the fundamental attribution bias in your own words.

Fundamental attribution bias occurs when we blame others' mistakes on their character while attributing our own mistakes to external factors. Signup and view all the answers

What is confirmation bias and how does it affect our beliefs?

Confirmation bias is the tendency to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs, leading us to ignore contradictory evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What feelings are associated with cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance is associated with discomfort when our actions contradict our beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

How can group pressure impact an individual's willingness to express dissenting opinions?

Group pressure can lead to unwillingness to express dissenting opinions due to fear of ridicule or ostracism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

How Groups Help Us

Groups can provide legitimacy to decisions
Groups can create a sense of security and belonging
Groups can provide broader perspectives and a wider range of ideas
Groups can be used to divide and conquer tasks to improve efficiency

Developed by Tajfel and Turner
Explains how people form identities and how these identities shape interactions with others
We form "in-groups" and "out-groups" to provide a sense of belonging, security, and identity
We tend to favor those in our "in-group" and have negative evaluations about "out-groups"
Individuals engage in behaviors that align with their "in-group" identity

Groupthink

A psychosocial process that prioritizes group harmony and conformity over individual thought
Can lead to codependency and a lack of diversity within the group
Individuals may lose their sense of individuality
The group tends to make inefficient decisions without considering alternatives and outside perspectives

Symptoms of Groupthink

Feeling invulnerable and invincible
Collective rationalization: a false sense of conviction in group opinions
Moral superiority within the group
Stereotyping of "out-groups"
Pressure on those who oppose decisions
Censorship or unwillingness to express one's own opinion
False feelings of unanimity
Mind guards: protecting the group from external opinions that could cause dissonance

Fundamental Attribution Bias/Error

We attribute other people's mistakes to their personal character while attributing our own mistakes to situational or environmental factors
Example: Being late for a meeting; "I was late because of traffic" versus "They were late because they are disorganized"

Confirmation Bias

Our tendency to pay more attention to information that confirms our preexisting beliefs while ignoring information that challenges them
Example: Stereotyping
Leads to "echo chambers": false perceptions and polarization

Cognitive Dissonance

Feelings of discomfort that arise when our actions do not align with our beliefs
We may engage in confirmation bias to avoid these feelings of dissonance
Avoiding the reality of dissonance can lead us to ignore flaws in our beliefs and actions

Realistic Group Conflict Theory

Groups can become hostile toward each other as they compete for common resources
Robbers Cave Experiment: 22 boys were sent to a camp in Oklahoma to study intergroup conflict
3 Stages:
- Group Formation: Boys were split into two groups and encouraged to bond without awareness of the other group
- Group Conflict: Groups were introduced and competed for resources and prizes, leading to verbal and physical hostility
- Conflict Resolution: Researchers arranged situations with "superordinate goals" requiring groups to work together, which reduced hostility

Implications of Realistic Group Conflict Theory

Hostility between groups can be about more than just individual differences
Hostility can increase when resources are scarce
Discussions are not effective when there is hostility
Working on common goals can decrease group hostility

Solutions to Groupthink and Bias

Have a devil's advocate within the group
Value diversity in members and perspectives
Embrace debate and critical thinking
Intentionally seek external perspectives and opinions

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of group dynamics including the benefits and drawbacks of group decision-making, social identity theory, and the phenomenon of groupthink. Test your understanding of how groups influence individual behavior and identity. Dive into the psychological aspects of belonging and conformity in social settings.