Human behavior, cognitions, and emotions can be influenced by groups or social contexts.
Social Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Social Approach
Social Psychology: The Power of the Group
Social psychology dives into the fascinating world of how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are shaped by the people around us. It's about understanding how groups influence our behavior, both in positive and negative ways.
1. Group Influence: The Power of Conformity
Have you ever felt pressure to fit in? That's the power of conformity. We tend to adjust our behavior to match the group we're in, even if it contradicts our own beliefs.
-Example: Imagine you're at a party with friends, and they all start making fun of a new kid. Even if you don't agree, you might laugh along to avoid being seen as different.
Why do we conform?
-Information social influence: We might doubt ourselves and believe that the group knows better.
-Normative social influence: We want to be accepted and liked by the group.
2. Social Norms: The Unwritten Rules
Social norms are unwritten rules about how we should behave in different situations. These norms can be powerful shapers of our behavior.
-Example: You wouldn't wear your pajamas to school, right? That's because there's a social norm that dictates appropriate dress for specific settings.
3. The Bystander Effect: Why We Don't Always Help
The bystander effect is a phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help someone in need when others are present. This is because we diffuse responsibility, assuming someone else will take action.
-Example: If you see someone lying on the street, you might assume someone else has already called for help, so you don't act.
4. Social Identity: Belonging and Groupthink
Social identity is the part of our self-concept that comes from our membership in various groups (family, friends, clubs, etc.). This can lead to ingroup bias, where we favor our own group and see other groups negatively.
-Example: You might feel a sense of pride when your favorite sports team wins, even if you don't know the players personally.
Groupthink is a negative consequence of strong group identity where members prioritize harmony and conformity over critical thinking. This can lead to poor decision-making.
-Example: In a company meeting, everyone might agree with a plan, even if it's flawed, because they don't want to rock the boat.
5. Cognition and Emotion: Social Influences on Thinking and Feeling
Our social environment impacts our thoughts and emotions in various ways:
-Stereotypes: Preconceived beliefs about groups of people, often based on limited information.
-Attitudes: Our evaluations of people, objects, or ideas, shaped by social influences.
-Emotions: Our feelings are often influenced by our social interactions and perceptions of others.
Real-World Examples:
-Social media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can fuel conformity, social comparison, and body image issues.
-Political polarization: Social groups can contribute to biased information and extreme views.
-Social movements: Collective action based on shared values and beliefs can lead to social change.
Understanding the power of social influence is crucial for navigating our complex world. By being aware of these forces, we can make informed choices and foster more positive social interactions.
Bonus Notes
Psychology Essay Question Answers
1. Roles of Social Norms:
Social norms are unwritten rules that guide our behavior, shaping what we perceive as acceptable and expected in a given situation. They influence us through informational social influence (we look to others for guidance when unsure) and normative social influence (we want to be accepted and avoid social disapproval). This impact is seen across diverse domains, from fashion choices to political opinions.
2. Conformity & Obedience:
Conformity arises from informational influence, wanting to be right, and normative influence, wanting to be liked. Obedience, however, is influenced by authority figures, creating a sense of obligation and responsibility. These factors are amplified by groupthink, where conformity within a group overrides individual judgment.
3. Impact of Social Media:
Social media influences cognitions and emotions through social comparison, leading to feelings of inadequacy or envy. It also fosters confirmation bias, reinforcing existing beliefs. Additionally, the constant connectivity can induce anxiety and stress, while cyberbullying can harm self-esteem.
4. Culture's Influence on Social Interactions:
Culture significantly influences social interactions and decision-making. Cultural norms dictate appropriate behavior and communication styles, impacting how we interact with others. Cultural values influence our priorities and decision-making processes, highlighting the diverse ways we perceive the world and make choices.
5. Group Dynamics & Individual Behavior:
Group dynamics play a crucial role in shaping individual behaviors. Social facilitation enhances performance on familiar tasks, while social loafing diminishes individual effort in group settings. Groupthink leads to poor decision-making due to conformity pressure, while minority influence can challenge the group's perspective. These dynamics can influence individual behavior within social contexts, highlighting the interplay between individual and group influences.