Sociocultural Approach

Question 1

Individual and the group: Social Identity theory - key info (5)

Answer 1

• Social categorisation - process by which we decide which groups we belong to and don’t
• Social identification - when we identify with a group and modify our behaviour to belong. We identify with the identity most salient to us
• Social comparison - means of justifying one’s group membership
• Positive distinctiveness - idea that we see to achieve self-esteem by positively comparing ourselves to ingroups and outgroups
• In-group favouritism - where we are likely to identify with those in our group over others

Question 2

Social identity theory - study name

Answer 2

Abrams et al.

Question 3

Aim of Abrams et al

Answer 3

To determine if in-group indentity affects one’s willingness to conform

Question 4

Sample and research method of Abrams et al.

Answer 4

Sample: Independent, 50 undergrads
Research method: lab experiment

Question 5

Procedure of Abrams et al.

Answer 5

PPs either in psych major (ingroup) or art history major (outgroup). PPs (one at a time) put in a room with a bunch of confederates and told not to talk to each other. Everyone shown stimulus line + three diff lines and asked which were the same length. 2x2 conditions: ingroup/outgroup and public/private.

Question 6

Results of Abrams et al.

Answer 6

In group overall conformed higher than out group
In group conformed more in public than private
Out group conformed more in private than public
70% of all PPs conformed at least once. No gender diffs. In/outgroup priv didn’t differ significantly.

Question 7

Conclusion of Abrams et al.

Answer 7

Indicates that social categorisation can play a key role in one’s decision to conform publicly

Question 8

(+) & (-) of Abrams et al.

Answer 8

(+) Highly controlled = allows causal rs
(-) Low eco

Question 9

Social cognitive theory - key info

Answer 9

• Social cognitive theory - behaviour is learned from the environment through processes of modelling and the environment
• Modelling - imitated behaviour if leads to desirable consequences
• Modelling takes place if learner has high self-efficacy - one’s belief in one’s ability to complete a task
• Direct tuition - where kids learn from a teacher, parent or other role model through conscious reinforcement of good and negative behaviours (rewards/ punishments)
• Participatory learning - where kids participate in learning and apply knowledge in new situations
• ## Vicarious reinforcement - a person’s behaviour influenced by othersConditions needed for social learning to take place:
• retention
• attention
• motivation
• potential

Factors affecting potential social learning:
- contrasts
- liked & respected
- ingroup
- reinforced
- consistent

Question 10

Case study for social cognitive

Answer 10

Joy et al.

Question 11

Aim of Joy et al.

Answer 11

Investigate impact of TV on children’s aggressive behaviour

Question 12

Sample + research method of Joy et al.

Answer 12

Sample: 120 elementary kids across 3 towns in BC, CND
Research method: longitudinal, naturalistic observation

Question 13

Procedure of Joy et al.

Answer 13

Study conducted across 3 towns in BC - Notel had no access to TV prior to exp, other two towns had. During this, a new canadian channel was introduced to all 2 towns. Researchers observed 120 elementary kids on school playgrounds.

Question 14

Results of Joy et al.

Answer 14

Notel - aggressive behaviour of kids increased significantly. Other 2 - no significant change. Males showed higher aggression than females. Peer and teacher ratings supported findings

Question 15

Stregnths and limitations of Joy et al.

Answer 15

(+) High eco
(-) Confounding variables - dk if behaviour change due to intro of TV or other factors
(-) Hard to measure “aggressions” - construct validity
(-) Self reported

Question 16

Stereotypes key info

Answer 16

• Stereotypes - schemas that help us understand the world that are given to us socially instead of personal experience. Are general, prone to confirmation bias; can be positive or negative
• Prejudice - preconceived judgement, opinion or attitude directed towards certain people based on their membership in a particular group
• Discrimination - prejudicial behaviour that can result from labelling someone through a stereotype
• Stereotype threat - occurs wen one is in a cituation where there is a threat of being judged or treated stereotypically or a fear of doing something that would inadvertently confirm that stereotype.