BHS 110 Topic 7 Part 1 Groups and Modification of attitudes PDF

Topic 7. Groups and Modification of Attitudes; Personality; Significance of Psychology in Treatment Ms. Maimbolwa Singongi Dip. Dental Science (DTS) BA Psychology with Public Administration (UNZA) PG. Dip. Leadership & Management (NIPA)...

Topic 7. Groups and Modification of Attitudes; Personality; Significance of Psychology in Treatment Ms. Maimbolwa Singongi Dip. Dental Science (DTS) BA Psychology with Public Administration (UNZA) PG. Dip. Leadership & Management (NIPA) 2024  OUTLINE 7.1 Groups & Modification of Attitudes 7.2 Personality – Psychodynamic Approach – Behavioural Approach – Humanistic Approach 7.3 Significance of Psychology in Treatment of – Children – Old People – Uncooperative – Physically – Mentally 7.1 Groups & Modification of Attitudes What is a Group? A group consists of a collection of individuals who engage with one another and rely on each other. They share a common identity, goals, and norms. Groups can be formal or informal, and they can vary in size from small to large.  Types of Groups Formal and informal groups: Formal groups are groups of people that are organized with definite roles, responsibilities, and objectives which are usually set by an organization or authority. Informal groups on the other hand develop naturally based on personal connections or shared interests. They do not have an official structure and may not have specific goals.  Primary and secondary groups: Primary groups are groups that are relatively small and close in relationship such as family and friends. Secondary groups are larger and more impersonal such as work groups and clubs In-groups and out-groups : In-groups are groups were individuals consider they belong to and identify with. Out-groups are groups were individuals don't consider they belong to or feel excluded.  Terminologies in Group Dynamics Roles: These are specific duties or responsibilities that an individual takes on in a group. Having a role indicates that an individual is expected to show certain behaviours within a group. Norms: Norms are unspoken rules and shared expectations that shape how members behave and interact with one another. Status: This is the level of respect or rank someone holds within a group. It is a social position that is often based on factors such as authority, expertise, or recognition from others in the group. Leadership: This is the act of guiding and motivating group members to work towards common goals. Leadership is provided by an individual who is acknowledged for their influence or authority. Groupthink: This happens when individuals fail to express differing views and instead conform to the views of the majority. This may lead to poor decision-making.  Stages of Group Dynamics – Forming – Storming – Norming – Performing – Adjourning  Forming: This is were individuals come together and start to get acquainted. They establish initial connections and develop an understanding of the purpose of the group. Storming: In this stage, it is common for disagreements to arise as individuals express their views and compete for roles. This may result in challenges concerning influence and control. Norming: In this stage, the group starts to resolve conflicts, establish common norms, and build a sense of unity. This leads to more effective collaboration. Performing: Eventually, the group reaches a stage where performance is at its highest. The group cooperates and works together efficiently in order to achieve its goals. Adjourning: Once the purpose of the group has been accomplished, the group begins to dissolve. Members may reflect on experiences and accomplishments.  Modification of Attitudes Attitudes: These are enduring personal thoughts, emotions and actions that reflect how individuals perceive or feel about something, a situation, or about someone. These perspectives can be positive, negative or neutral. They are shaped by an individual’s experiences, beliefs and social factors. A person’s thoughts and feelings have an effect on a their choice of actions and responses.  Attitudinal change: This is the process of modifying behaviour and can be achieved as a result of the following. – Persuasion: An attitude can be changed by offering convincing reasons and emotional appeals, often through a trusted source and repetition over time. This helps people develop different viewpoints. – Self Perception: When people view themselves as behaving in a particular way, they may adjust their attitudes to align with their actions. For example, By behaving in a positive manner. They may end up developing a positive attitude to match the new behavioir.  Attitudinal change continued – Cognitive Dissonance: This is a state where an individual holds two contradicting values or beliefs. For example, a person knows that they should spend time brushing their teeth every day, but at the same time they must be punctual at work. – Due to the discomfort in their beliefs, a person is likely to adjust their attitudes in order not to feel uncomfortable. – In this case, the person may convince themselves that they do not need to spend so much time on their teeth after all, or they may change their attitude towards time keeping. – Cognitive dissonance creates a need for conflict resolution within one’s self. – Learning Theory: The learning theory was developed by scholars such as B. F. Skinner and Albert Bandura. There are several learning theories which explain how attitudes can be changed. For example behaviourism explains how the use of rewards and punishments affect attitude; Classical conditioning uses associations in order to change attitudes.  Attitudinal change continued – Learning Theory: The learning theory was developed by scholars such as B. F. Skinner and Albert Bandura. There are several learning theories which explain how attitudes can be changed. For example behaviourism explains how the use of rewards and punishments affect attitude; Classical conditioning uses associations in order to change attitudes.