Social Identity Theory Overview

The three main cognitive processes involved in Social Identity Theory are social categorization, social identification, and social comparison.

In-groups refer to the social groups we identify with and belong to, while out-groups are groups we don't belong to. The theory suggests that we tend to favor our in-groups and sometimes discriminate against out-groups.

Social identification strengthens our sense of self-esteem by providing a sense of belonging and shared identity with other members of our in-group.

<p>Social comparison allows individuals to assess their in-group relative to other groups. This process aims to maintain a positive self-concept by emphasizing the strengths and superiority of our own group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Social Identity Theory can be applied in marketing to create brand loyalty by associating a product or service with a particular group or identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main hypothesis of the Tajfel et al. (1971) study was that simply being assigned to a group (even a minimal group) would lead individuals to favor their in-group over the out-group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The two main point allocation strategies investigated were <strong>maximizing the group's rewards</strong> and <strong>increasing the difference between groups</strong>.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One negative consequence of Social Identity Theory is the potential for <strong>discrimination</strong> against out-groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>In-group favoritism refers to the tendency of individuals to favor members of their own group, even when the groups are meaningless.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main advantage is that it prevents demand characteristics, where participants alter their behavior due to knowing they are being studied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cognitive dissonance describes the discomfort individuals experience when holding conflicting beliefs or actions. In the cult study, members rationalized the failed prophecy instead of abandoning their beliefs, reducing the dissonance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ethical concern is deceiving participants and preventing them from giving informed consent. In the cult study, members were unaware they were being observed and did not have an opportunity to consent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Individualistic cultures prioritize personal goals, independence, and self-reliance, while collectivist cultures prioritize group well-being and social harmony.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The aim was to investigate conformity levels in different cultural groups, comparing the Temne (collectivist), Inuit (individualistic), and Scots (predominantly individualistic).</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Temne (collectivist) showed the highest conformity, while the Inuit (individualistic) conformed the least. This suggests that collectivist cultures prioritize group cohesion, leading to greater conformity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cultural dimensions, such as individualism and collectivism, significantly shape social behavior, particularly how individuals respond to group influence and pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The in-group favoritism study demonstrates that even without competition, social identity can lead to discrimination, suggesting a potential link to collectivist tendencies of prioritizing in-group interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Covert participant observation is designed for authentic real-world settings. Lab settings lack the natural social contexts that drive in-group favoritism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Participants might have experienced dissonance between their own group's potential gains and their desire to maximize the difference between groups, leading them to act in ways that reduced their group's gains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Demand characteristics refer to cues or signals in a study that participants pick up on, causing them to alter their behavior to match expected outcomes. This can bias study results.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deception of participants, lack of informed consent, and potential psychological harm to participants if their privacy is violated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Covert observation allows researchers to study these behaviors without participants altering their behavior due to awareness of being studied.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The study provided real-world insights into how people react when their beliefs are challenged, something difficult to replicate in a lab setting. It also highlighted how people react authentically in emotional situations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A theory explaining how group memberships affect self-perception.

Groups to which individuals feel they belong and identify with.

Groups individuals do not belong to and often view less favorably.

Classifying people, including ourselves, based on shared characteristics.

Adopting the identity of one's in-group and conforming to its norms.

Tendency to prioritize and favor benefits for one's in-group.

Tendency to discriminate against those not in one's in-group.

Study demonstrating in-group favoritism with minimal group assignments.

A research method where observers join a group secretly to study behavior without participants' awareness.

It prevents demand characteristics by not informing participants they are being studied.

A theory suggesting that people strive to reduce discomfort from conflicting beliefs by changing their perception.

Challenges regarding the deception of participants and the lack of informed consent.

A cultural dimension prioritizing personal autonomy and self-reliance over group goals.

A cultural dimension focusing on group cohesion and the well-being of the community over individual goals.

Research examining conformity levels across collectivist Temne and individualistic Inuit cultures.

A group from Sierra Leone known for high conformity, characteristic of collectivist cultures.

A group from Baffin Island showing lower conformity rates typical of individualistic societies.

The extent to which participants change their responses to align with incorrect group answers.

The influence exerted by a group that affects an individual's behavior or beliefs.

The bond that holds members of a group together, promoting loyalty and conformity.

Collectivist cultures prioritize group needs, while individualistic cultures focus on personal goals.

How individuals respond to different social contexts, influenced by cultural dimensions.