Psychology Chapter: Social Influence and Group Processes

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Questions and Answers

What role does security play in group dynamics?

It encourages competition between groups.

It creates isolation among individuals.

It leads to a lack of social interaction.

It reduces feelings of insecurity. (correct)

How can status within a group affect individual self-perception?

It enhances feelings of recognition and power. (correct)

It leads to disinterest in group activities.

It creates jealousy among group members.

It diminishes feelings of self-worth.

Which of the following factors contributes to people's preference for similar others?

Diverse backgrounds.

Desire for uniqueness.

Social consistency. (correct)

Inconsistency in interests.

What is a significant trait of repeated interactions among individuals?

They allow assessment of similarities. Signup and view all the answers

What explains why people feel proud when part of a winning group?

It fosters a sense of superiority. Signup and view all the answers

What initial feelings might individuals experience when meeting potential new group members?

Excitement and apprehensions. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT commonly associated with group membership?

Greater dependence on outsiders. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for people’s tendency to join groups?

To gain a sense of belonging. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily differentiates a team from a group?

Teams have a common goal and are mutually accountable for their success. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the behavior of individuals in a crowd?

Behavior in a crowd is often irrational and unstructured. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do norms function within a group?

Norms define acceptable behaviors and interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a team as opposed to a group?

Teams exhibit positive synergy through collaboration. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility do members have in a team environment?

Members share accountability for the overall success. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates a group rather than a team?

An audience watching a concert without interaction. Signup and view all the answers

How do members of a group primarily contribute to its performance?

Individual contributions are the main basis for performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of team interactions?

Interactions are based on a structured set of roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary implications of groupthink according to Irving Janis?

It can lead to irrational and uncritical decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does strong cohesion have on a group's decision-making process?

It may obscure rational appraisal of options. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of group structure develops as members interact over time?

The roles and responsibilities within the group. Signup and view all the answers

What are norms in the context of group dynamics?

Expected standards of behavior established by the group. Signup and view all the answers

How does the phenomenon of groupthink affect an individual member's expression of dissent?

Members hesitate to share opposing views to maintain cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

In a family setting, what is a common expectation of children regarding norms?

Respect and listen to elders. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the outcome of a group with high levels of groupthink?

It often leads to out-of-touch decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

During group formation, how does interaction among members influence task distribution?

It establishes regularities in how tasks are assigned. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a group as opposed to a mere collection of individuals?

Mutual interdependence and roles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason people join groups?

To fulfill psychological and social needs Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon may occur in cohesive groups that can hinder decision-making?

Groupthink Signup and view all the answers

In the context of group formation, which factor does NOT facilitate the creation of groups?

Diversity of opinions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes social loafing?

Reduced effort by individuals in group settings Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between ingroups and outgroups?

Ingroups are associated with positive identity and loyalty Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of group mentioned?

Project-based groups Signup and view all the answers

How can social loafing in groups be effectively reduced?

By assigning individual responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What conditions are likely to lead to groupthink?

Isolation from outside opinions Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event exemplifies the phenomenon of groupthink?

The Vietnam War escalation Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the decisions made during the Vietnam War escalation?

The loss of over a million Vietnamese lives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggested method to prevent groupthink?

Avoiding outside consultations Signup and view all the answers

What is status in the context of group dynamics?

The relative social position of group members Signup and view all the answers

What type of group is characterized by shared norms for a long duration?

Religious group Signup and view all the answers

Achieved status in a group is typically based on which criteria?

Expertise and hard work Signup and view all the answers

Which type of group is often considered formal and organized?

Army units Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon where groups tend to make more extreme decisions than individuals called?

Group polarisation Signup and view all the answers

What effect is described when individuals feel validated in their views by finding others who share the same opinion?

Bandwagon effect Signup and view all the answers

How does group discussion affect an individual's initial stance on a controversial issue?

It can strengthen it Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential result of group polarisation in decision-making?

Extreme decision-making Signup and view all the answers

When a group identifies individuals with similar views as part of an ingroup, what psychological process is primarily at play?

Group identity formation Signup and view all the answers

What can result from groups having discussions about capital punishment?

A shift towards stronger positions Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential danger of group polarisation?

Supporting extreme viewpoints Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of group polarisation?

Group members agreeing to a punitive decision based on a serious unethical act Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding groups, group formation, and the impact of groups on individual behavior is the focus of this chapter.
Groups provide support, comfort, and facilitate development.
Groups are different from other collections of people; groups show interdependence, roles, and expectations among members.
Characteristics of groups include social units, common motives/goals, and interdependence.
Teams are a special kind of group, where members have complementary skills and a shared goal.
Teams' performance depends on a combination of individual & teamwork contributions.
Group formation involves initial interactions, conflict resolution, norm establishment, and performance.
Group members initially feel uncertain about their roles and the group's goal/how to achieve it.
Group formation has 5 stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.
Groups form for reasons such as protection, security, achieving status, satisfying psychological needs and for goal achievement.
Social facilitation shows that groups increase arousal and performance depending on the task/individual performance.
Social Loafing illustrates that individuals may exert less effort in groups because of shared responsibility or lack of individual evaluation.
Group polarisation describes the tendency for groups to take more extreme stances, strengthened by agreement and conformity within the group.
Groupthink is a negative result of group cohesion where unanimity is prioritized over critical assessment and rational analysis, leading to potentially bad decisions.

Types of Groups

Primary and Secondary groups differ in their formation (pre-existing vs. chosen).
Primary groups involve close relationships, whereas secondary relationships are less personal and often more formal.
Formal and Informal groups are different based on structure.
Formal groups adhere to rules and have defined roles. Informal groups lack rigid structure and are based on mutual interaction & relationship.
Ingroups and Outgroups represent the different groups a person belongs to or compares themselves with.
Individuals often categorise themselves into ingroups and outgroups and feel more favourably towards their ingroup members, with negative perception of outgroup members.

Group Formation

Factors like proximity, similarity, common motives, and goals influence group formation.
Group formation is influenced by interpersonal attraction, shared interests, and mutual goals.

Influence of Groups on Individuals

Groups affect individual behavior by influencing motives and goals, changing attitudes and increasing confidence.
Individuals are influenced by group members, or feel the need to conform to maintain harmony and to avoid conflict.

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Description

This quiz explores the dynamics of group formation and the effects of social influence on individual behavior. Discover the stages of group development, the roles within a group, and how teamwork contributes to overall performance. Understand the unique characteristics that differentiate groups from mere collections of individuals.