Group Processes Flashcards
What is a group?
Two or more people who share a common definition of evaluation of themselves. People behave in accordance with this definition
What dimensions can groups vary on?
Cohesiveness, structure, size, longevity, purpose, influence, etc.
What are some major characteristics of groups? (7)
Social unit of two or more individuals Influence Interaction Interdependence Seek to achieve group goals Try to satisfy a need through their association (belonging) Governed by group roles & norms
What is a need that is satisfied through group association?
Belonging
What are the functions of groups (which help an individual)? (3)
- belonging an purpose
- connection
- guide behaviour
What are the social functions of groups? (3)
- Social identity (define self)
- Source of social support
- Coping resource
What are pragmatic functions of groups? (2)
- Sense of security, safety. (Evolutionary)
- Coordination, performance, divide labour. (Useful)
Based on the type of association, what are the 3 types of groups?
Common-bond
Common-identity
Social aggregates
What are common-bond groups based on?
Attached interpersonally to members, like the people (eg friends)
What are common-identity groups based on?
Attached to group itself, the idea that they represent (eg feminists)
What goals are salient in the two types of groups?
Common-bond = personal goals
Common-identity = group goals
Social aggregate = no shared goals
Explain a social aggregate.
A gathering of unrelated individuals, in proximity for short periods. No shared goals/purpose or influence. Not cohesive.
Tuckman’s (1965) Developmental Sequence for Small Groups (5phases)
Forming - orientation & familiarisation Storming - conflict Norming - consensus, cohesion, Performing - group world smoothly Adjourning - dissolution
When do groups benefit from group roles? (2)
- Little role ambiguity
- Roles matched to member’s abilities
What do group roles do?
Describe and proscribe group behaviour
Define group norms.
Attitudinal and behavioural uniformities that define group membership and differentiate groups
What are examples of informal and formal norms?
Family rules vs. workplace conduct
What happens when group identities are made salient?
Norms guide behaviour and conduct (eg less likely to smoke when thinking about family)
What did Siegel & Siegel (1957) measure and find in their conservatives vs liberals study?
Measured sorority vs dormitory.
Findings; peoples’ political orientation shifted due to their environment
What is group polarisation?
A tendency for group discussion to produce more extreme opinions than individuals had pre-discussion
Myers & Bishop (1970); what changes to levels of prejudice occurred when people were put into discussion with like minded others?
Intensification of prejudice: group polarisation.
What are the explanations of group polarisation? (3 theories)
Persuasive Arguments Theory - groups allow exposure to novel arguments/positions
Social Comparison Theory - Feel the need to compare stance to ingroup members and ‘stack up’
Conformity to Group Norms - polarisation is a method of conformity
What is groupthink?
When highly cohesive groups desire to reach unanimous agreements and override proper rational thinking.
What are the antecedents to group think? (5)
- Excessive group cohesiveness
- Insulation from external information/influence
- Lack of systematic procedures for decision making
- Ideological homogeneity of group membership
- High pressure
