Chapter 21: Social Interaction How groups affect our behavior?
Social Facilitation Theory If you are really good at something….or it is an easy task…you will perform BETTER in front of a group. If it is a difficult task or you are not very good at it…you will perform WORSE in front of a group (social impairment).
Social Loafing The tendency for people in a group to exert less effort when pooling efforts toward a common goal than if they were individually accountable. Diffusion of responsibility
Being part of a group can also lead to… Risky Shift
Deindividuation People get swept up in a group and lose sense of self. Feel anonymous and aroused. Explains rioting behaviors.
Group Polarization Groups tend to make more extreme decisions than the individual.
Types of Leaders Authoritarian Democratic Laissez-Faire
Social Norms Standards of behavior that a group of people share – Can you think of examples?
Adjusting one’s behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard. Examples…
Asch’s Study of Conformity
Asch’s Results About 1/3 of the participants conformed. 70% conformed at least once. What makes people conform? Culture Need to be accepted Size of group If group is unanimous If group is the “in-group” or considered popular or well liked
Obedience
Milgram’s Study of Obedience Both Photos: © 1965 By Stanley Miligram, from the film Obedience, dist. by Penn State, Media Sales
Results of the Milgram Study
Why do people obey? Its taught!!! – Don’t question authority – Its YOUR job – Do as I say…not as I do
Aggression
Psychology of Aggression Biological view Psychoanalytic view Cognitive view Learning view Sociocultural view
Altruism Unselfish concern for the welfare of other people
Bystander effect People are less likely to help when other people are present – Video
Effects of the Bystander Effect Kitty Genovese case in NY. More videos