Social Influence and Group Processes

A collection of individuals who interact with each other directly or indirectly, often influenced by shared goals or interests.

A gathering of individuals who interact with each other, but without any structured roles or norms.

A collection of individuals whose interactions are structured by a set of roles and norms, which guide behavior and expectations.

Expected patterns of behavior within a group, defining how members should act.

A specific type of group with a shared purpose, where members have complementary skills and are mutually accountable.

The positive outcome achieved when team members' efforts are coordinated and work together effectively.

The difference between the contributions of individuals in a group versus the combined effort of a team.

Groups where members have strong, personal, and frequent interactions, often formed through family, caste, or religion. They are crucial for individual development and forming values.

Groups where interactions are less personal, more formal, and involve less frequent contact. Examples include political parties or professional organizations.

The feeling of togetherness, mutual attraction, and belonging among group members. It strengthens the group's identity and encourages members to act as a unit.

The degree to which it is difficult to leave or join a group. Primary groups tend to have high impermeability due to strong emotional bonds.

The phenomenon where extreme cohesiveness can harm a group's effectiveness or decision-making. It can lead to groupthink or a lack of critical thinking.

The initial phase of group formation where members come together and get acquainted with each other. Individuals start interacting and establishing relationships.

A stage where group members begin to share their ideas, thoughts, and opinions, often resulting in disagreements and conflicts. These conflicts often stem from differences in perspectives, ideas about leadership, or how to achieve the group goal.

During this stage, the group establishes clear norms and standards of behavior. This helps create a sense of shared identity and understanding within the group. Members start to cooperate, collaborate, and resolve disagreements.

The final stage of group development where the group focuses on achieving its primary goal. Members work efficiently, utilize their skills effectively, and support each other to reach the desired outcome.

We are more likely to form friendships with people who share similar opinions and values because their views reinforce and validate our own, making us feel more comfortable and understood.

The process of having our beliefs and opinions confirmed by others, creating a sense of validation and agreement.

Groups often form to achieve common goals. When a group has a shared objective, it motivates members to work together and support each other to reach the desired outcome.

The belief that we are right and our view is correct. It can be influenced by confirmation biases and the validation we receive from others.

Groups can be formed to address specific needs within a community. For example, a group might be formed to provide educational opportunities to children in a disadvantaged area.

The different stages a group goes through as it forms, develops, and functions.

The structure of a group refers to how tasks are distributed, responsibilities are assigned, and the relative status of members is determined. This structure emerges over time as members interact.

Groupthink is a phenomenon where a group sacrifices critical thinking and independent judgment to maintain harmony and consensus. This leads to poor decision-making and a disregard for potential risks.

Groupthink is characterized by the appearance of unanimous agreement within a group, where members suppress dissenting opinions to avoid conflict and maintain cohesion.

In Groupthink, members believe that the group is invincible and has the power to control any situation, leading to an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a disregard for external factors.

Groupthink can lead to the group becoming isolated from external perspectives and information. This isolation prevents them from objectively evaluating their decisions and risks.

To prevent Groupthink, it's crucial to foster an environment that encourages open discussion, critical thinking, and dissent. This includes valuing different perspectives and challenging assumptions.

The cohesiveness of a group refers to the strength of the bonds between members. A cohesive group is characterized by trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging.

A situation where a group makes decisions that are often flawed or irrational due to strong pressure to conform to group norms and avoid conflict.

The tendency for members of a group to conform to the opinions and behaviors of the majority, even if they personally disagree. This can lead to groupthink.

A group that tightly bound, shares similar beliefs and values, and is isolated from outside influences. This can increase the likelihood of groupthink.

Groups that are sheltered from outside perspectives and critical evaluation are more vulnerable to groupthink.

A lack of procedures for considering alternative viewpoints and challenges can contribute to groupthink.

High-stakes decisions with significant potential for failure can increase pressure to conform and make it more likely for groupthink to occur.

A social position or standing within a group, often based on factors like seniority, expertise, or accomplishments.

Status that is assigned to an individual based on innate characteristics or circumstances, often based on family or background.

Status that is achieved through effort, skills, or accomplishments. It can be earned through hard work, education, or expertise.

A social group characterized by close, intimate, and enduring relationships, often with strong feelings of belonging and shared identity, such as family or close friends.