Social Influence and Group Processes

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'ingroup' refer to?

A collective opinion

A group one belongs to (correct)

A different group

An opposing viewpoint

How do members of the ingroup tend to be viewed as compared to outgroup members?

Similar in opinion

Less favorably

More negatively (correct)

Lacking desirable traits

Which phrase is commonly used for ingroup members?

Our

They

Them

Us (correct)

What is the primary focus of the minimal group paradigm experiments?

To observe decision-making in groups Signup and view all the answers

What criteria were used to create groups in the minimal group paradigm experiments?

Artistic preferences Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome observed in the minimal group paradigm experiments regarding resource distribution?

Favoritism towards ingroup members Signup and view all the answers

What method was used to hide the identity of group members in the study?

Use of code numbers Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason offered for why ingroup members are viewed favorably?

They are believed to share similar traits Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates teams from groups?

Team members are mutually accountable for their activities. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of performance, how do teams and groups differ?

In groups, performance is dependent on individual contributions. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the interactions of members within a group?

A set of roles and norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a collection of individuals that does not form a team?

An audience watching a concert. Signup and view all the answers

How is responsibility distributed in groups compared to teams?

In groups, a designated leader holds responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'positive synergy' in the context of teams?

Collective effort enhances overall performance. Signup and view all the answers

What role do norms play in group behavior?

They specify expected behaviors in the group. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a crowd from a team?

Teams have structured interactions and roles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of group development according to Tuckman's model?

Forming Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the storming stage in group development?

Norming Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the adjourning stage of group development?

The group disbands after achieving its goals. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do groups generally progress through the stages of development?

Systematically and sequentially from one stage to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by roles within a group?

Roles are the expected behaviors and expectations in a social context. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen to a group after completing its planned function?

They may disband or enter the adjourning stage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages is NOT part of Tuckman's group development model?

Transitioning Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of group development do members often face conflicts and challenges?

Storming Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs in the storming stage of group development?

Conflict among members regarding leadership and tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the norming stage?

Development of norms for group behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines the performing stage?

Acceptance of group structure and movement towards goals Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals to form a group according to the content?

Common motives or goals among members Signup and view all the answers

How does validation from similar-minded individuals affect a group member's opinion?

It reinforces their existing beliefs and feelings of being right. Signup and view all the answers

In which stage does a hierarchy of leadership within the group typically develop?

Storming Signup and view all the answers

What often characterizes the forming stage of group development?

Establishment of friendships and validation of opinions Signup and view all the answers

At what point is it common for individuals needing help to look for like-minded friends?

At the formation of the group to gather support and resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of groupthink within a team?

Groups tend to make irrational and uncritical decisions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes group norms?

Unspoken rules established by group members. Signup and view all the answers

What role does interaction play in group structure development?

It leads to regularities in task distribution and responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

How does groupthink impact decision-making?

It promotes an exaggerated sense of group power. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of family roles, which behavior is generally expected from children?

To respect elders and be responsible towards their studies. Signup and view all the answers

What can result from a group's desire for unanimity in decision-making?

Overlooked risks and potential dangers. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes a reduction in individual effort when working in a group?

Social Loafing Signup and view all the answers

What typically undermines the expression of dissenting opinions in a group?

The fear of jeopardizing group cohesion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies can help reduce social loafing in a group?

Making individual contributions identifiable Signup and view all the answers

Groups that experience groupthink often have which characteristic?

A cohesive belief that all members share the same opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Group polarisation occurs when group members do what?

Hear new arguments supporting their viewpoints Signup and view all the answers

An example of a task where social loafing might be observed is?

Participating in a tug-of-war Signup and view all the answers

What happens to group members' commitment when the apparent importance of a task increases?

They demonstrate higher motivation to work hard. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential negative outcome of group decision-making?

Groupthink Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to strengthen group cohesiveness?

Foster a sense of common purpose Signup and view all the answers

Why might individual group members become free riders?

Because the task is perceived to be less important Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Groups are crucial for daily life, impacting support, development, and well-being.
Group membership has a significant influence on individual behavior.
Groups are defined as an organized system of two or more individuals who interact and depend on each other.
Groups have common motives, goals, and roles; norms regulate member behavior.
Group members perceive themselves as belonging to the group, contributing to its distinctive identity.
Group members have common motives and goals, working toward a shared purpose.
Groups are interdependent, meaning individual actions can affect others.
Teams are a special kind of group, with complementary roles and a shared goal.

Nature and Formation of Groups

Groups differ from other collections of people: mutual interdependence, defined roles, statuses, and expectations.
Examples of groups include: family, class, playgroups, which have mutual interdependence and expectations between members.
Collections of people assembled for a purpose (like a cricket match or a school function) are not considered groups: lack of interdependence and shared roles.
Groups are crucial for psychological and social needs, providing belongingness, attention, love, power, and goal achievement, and sharing information.
Groups are formed through contact and interaction, with factors like proximity, shared interests, similarities, and common goals.

Group Formation Stages

Forming: Initial stage where there's uncertainty about the group, goal, and members.
Storming: Intragroup conflict arises concerning leadership, resources, task allocation.
Norming: Group develops norms for behavior and establishes a sense of identity.
Performing: Group structure is developed and accepted, focusing on achieving the intended goal.
Adjourning: For some groups, there could be a final stage in which group members are separated. However, not all groups follow this exact pattern.

Group Roles and Norms

Roles: Socially defined behaviors expected of individuals.
Norms: Shared expectations within a group about acceptable behavior.

Groupthink

Groupthink is a phenomenon where a group makes poor decisions due to a strong desire for conformity and agreement..
Cohesion and insularity from external perspectives can lead to groupthink.

Primary and Secondary Groups

Primary groups, such as family, have close relationships, face-to-face interaction, and high emotional intensity.
Secondary groups, such as a political party or an organization, have looser relationships with little emotional intensity, typically formed for a task.

Ingroup and Outgroup

Ingroup: One's own group, viewed positively and associated closely.
Outgroup: Other groups, viewed less favorably, are subjected to comparisons.

Influence of Groups on Individual Behavior

Social Facilitation: The presence of others can enhance or impede individual performance.
Social Loafing: Reduced individual effort in group settings because responsibility is diffused, and individual contributions are not immediately discernible.
Group Polarization: Discussions within groups can strengthen pre-existing viewpoints, leading to more extreme opinions.

Key Terms

Cohesiveness: The sense of togetherness and mutual attraction within a group.
Conflict: Disagreement or tension within a group.
Goal achievement: The desired outcome for which a group works.
Group: A collection of interdependent individuals who share common goals.
Group formation: The process by which individuals come together to form a group.
Groupthink: A phenomenon in which a group makes poor decisions due to a strong desire for conformity.
Identity: A sense of belonging to a group.
Ingroup: One's own group.
Outgroup: Other groups.
Interdependence: Individuals relying on each other within a group setting.
Norms: Shared expectations about acceptable behavior in a group.
Proximity: Physical closeness that can facilitate interaction and group formation.
Roles: Socially defined behaviors expected of individuals within a group.
Social influence: The ability of groups to change individuals' attitudes and behaviors.
Social loafing: The phenomenon of reduced individual effort in group settings because responsibility is diffused.
Status: The relative social position in a group.
Structure: The organization and arrangement of relationships within a group.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of social influence and group processes that shape our daily interactions and behaviors. This quiz covers the nature, formation, and characteristics of groups, including their roles and interdependencies. Discover how group membership impacts individual identity and collective goals.