7 - SOCIAL INFLUENCE AND GROUP PROCESSES
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Fundamentals of Groups
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Today, we're discussing the characteristics of groups. Can anyone tell me how we define a group?
Isn't it a collection of people?
Good start! But a group is more than just a collection; it involves interdependence, shared goals, and defined roles. Remember the acronym G.R.O.U.P: Goals, Roles, Organized, Unified, People.
So, how do groups differ from crowds?
Excellent question! A crowd is simply people gathered in one place without interdependence. In a group, actions of one member affect others. Let’s remember this contrast!
Reasons for Group Membership
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Now let’s delve into why people join groups. Can anyone list some reasons?
For security and comfort?
Exactly! We feel safer in groups. We can remember this by thinking of the '3 S's': Security, Status, Self-esteem. Let’s explore these further.
What about goal achievement?
Yes! Groups help us achieve goals together that may be challenging alone. Great point!
Stages of Group Formation
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Let’s move on to Tuckman's stages of group formation. Who can list the first stage?
Forming!
Correct! The forming stage is when members meet and start to understand each other. What follows?
Storming, where conflicts arise!
Exactly! Remember this by the acronym F.S.N.P.A: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning. This captures all stages of development.
The Impact of Groups on Behavior
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Finally, let’s discuss how groups influence individual behavior. What is social loafing?
It's when people put in less effort in a group task.
Good! A hint to remember is 'Loafing lowers load.' Why might social loafing happen?
Because people feel less responsible in a group?
Exactly! Now, what about group polarization?
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Groups play a significant role in shaping individual behavior through interaction and interdependence. This section outlines the characteristics of groups, reasons for joining, and the stages of group formation, along with concepts like social loafing and group polarisation.
Detailed
Nature and Formation of Groups
In this section, we explore the vital characteristics of groups and their formation. A group is defined as an organized system comprising two or more individuals who interact and depend on one another, possessing shared motives, roles, and norms regulating behavior. Notably, groups differ from mere collections of individuals—such as audiences or crowds—because of their interdependence and defined roles.
Reasons for Joining Groups
Individuals typically join groups for various reasons, including:
- Security: Groups provide a sense of safety and belonging.
- Status: Membership in recognized groups boosts self-esteem.
- Self-esteem: Being part of a group enhances one’s social identity.
- Goal Achievement: Groups allow for the completion of objectives that one might not accomplish alone.
Stages of Group Formation
According to Tuckman, groups develop through a series of stages:
1. Forming: Initial interaction with uncertainty about roles and goals.
2. Storming: Conflict arises regarding tasks and leadership roles.
3. Norming: Members establish group norms and develop cohesion.
4. Performing: The group is now functional and focused on achieving goals, and additional stages may include
5. Adjourning: The disbanding of the group following task completion.
Additionally, the concepts of groupthink, social loafing, and group polarisation illustrate various dynamics affecting decision-making within groups. Groupthink can lead to flawed decisions due to a tendency towards conformity, while social loafing refers to reduced effort by individuals in group settings. Group polarisation shows that discussions within groups can sharpen pre-existing views, often resulting in more extreme positions.
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What is a Group?
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
A group may be defined as an organised system of two or more individuals, who are interacting and interdependent, who have common motives, have a set of role relationships among its members, and have norms that regulate the behaviour of its members.
Detailed Explanation
A group is a structured entity comprising at least two individuals who are connected through interaction and mutual dependence. Each member has specific roles and responsibilities that contribute to the group's common goals. Additionally, the group operates under shared norms – rules or guidelines that dictate how members are expected to behave.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a sports team like a football squad. Each player has a unique position (striker, defender, goalkeeper) and follows common strategies and rules set by the coach. Their interdependence means that each player’s performance affects the others, demonstrating how individual actions shape the whole team's success.
Characteristics of Groups
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Chapter Content
Groups have the following salient characteristics:
- A social unit consisting of two or more individuals who perceive themselves as belonging to the group.
- A collection of individuals who have common motives and goals.
- A collection of individuals who are interdependent, meaning one's actions can affect others.
- Individuals trying to satisfy needs through association influence each other.
- A gathering of individuals who interact with one another either directly or indirectly.
- A collection of individuals whose interactions are structured by a set of roles and norms.
Detailed Explanation
Groups are identifiable by several key features. Firstly, members must recognize themselves as part of the group, exhibiting a sense of belonging. They share common aspirations and goals, and their actions are interconnected, meaning the success or failure of one can impact the others. Furthermore, interactions within the group are governed by defined roles (who does what) and norms (accepted behaviors).
Examples & Analogies
Consider a choir consisting of different singers. Each member knows their part (highs, lows) and interacts with others to create harmonious music. Their combined effort, driven by shared goals of delivering a great performance, highlights how interdependence and structured roles contribute to group success.
Why Do People Join Groups?
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Chapter Content
People join groups for various reasons, including:
- Security: Groups reduce feelings of insecurity and provide comfort.
- Status: Belonging to important groups can enhance one’s status and recognition.
- Self-esteem: Group membership can improve feelings of self-worth.
- Satisfaction of psychological needs: Groups can fulfill emotional needs such as belonging and support.
- Goal achievement: Groups help members achieve goals that might be unattainable alone.
- Knowledge and information: Being part of a group broadens understanding and perspective.
Detailed Explanation
Individuals often seek membership in groups to satisfy a range of needs, both emotional and practical. Security from threats, recognition through status, feelings of worth, psychological comfort, collaborative achievement of goals, and access to shared knowledge motivate people to become part of various groups.
Examples & Analogies
Think about joining a study group in school. You may feel insecure studying alone or want to understand the material better. Being in the group gives you emotional support, helps you feel smarter because your peers respect you, and you gain insights from others that you wouldn’t have thought of alone.
Stages of Group Formation
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Chapter Content
Groups generally go through several stages during their formation, identified by Tuckman as:
1. Forming: Members meet and begin to form initial impressions.
2. Storming: Conflicts arise as members assert opinions on how to reach their goals.
3. Norming: The group develops norms and cohesion begins to strengthen.
4. Performing: The group effectively works towards its goals and achieves its intended purpose.
5. Adjourning: The group disbands after completing its objectives.
Detailed Explanation
According to Tuckman, group formation is a dynamic process that evolves through identifiable stages. The process starts with 'Forming', where members familiarize themselves with each other. 'Storming' often involves disagreements as members confront their differing views. 'Norming' brings about a shared understanding and cohesiveness while 'Performing' sees the group functioning effectively towards achieving shared goals. Finally, 'Adjourning' is when the group disbands after fulfilling its objectives.
Examples & Analogies
Think of organizing a school event. Initially, everyone is excited but unsure of roles (Forming). Then disagreement might arise about who will do what (Storming). As people clarify responsibilities and establish norms (Norming), the team starts working effectively together (Performing). Once the event is over, everyone congratulates each other and goes their separate ways (Adjourning).
Types of Groups
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Chapter Content
Groups can be categorized into several types:
- Primary and Secondary Groups: Primary groups consist of close, personal relationships like family, whereas secondary groups are larger, less personal, and based on goals (e.g., a class).
- Formal and Informal Groups: Formal groups have structured rules and roles (like a work team), while informal groups develop spontaneously based on personal relationships (like close friends).
- Ingroup and Outgroup: Members of an ingroup see each other positively while viewing members of an outgroup negatively.
Detailed Explanation
Groups can differ significantly based on their nature and the relationships among members. Primary groups, like families, have deep personal ties, while secondary groups, such as clubs or classes, do not have the same level of emotional investment. Formal groups operate within set rules and tasks, while informal groups develop naturally. The distinction between ingroup and outgroup looks at how individuals perceive those within their group compared to those outside it. It often leads to favoritism towards their ingroup.
Examples & Analogies
In a school context, your close group of friends represents a primary and informal group where emotional bonds run deep. Meanwhile, your entire class acts as a secondary but formal group where relationships are not as personal. If your class competes against another class in a sports event, your class becomes the ingroup and the other class is viewed as the outgroup, sparking friendly rivalry.
Key Concepts
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Interdependence: The mutual reliance between group members.
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Roles: The expected behaviors and responsibilities assigned to individuals within a group.
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Norms: The agreed-upon standards of behavior within a group.
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Cohesiveness: The attraction and bonding that hold a group together.
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Stages of Group Development: The phases through which groups typically progress.
Examples & Applications
A football team where each player has distinct roles and works together towards victory exemplifies the concept of a group.
When studying for exams together, students often form study groups that provide motivation and sharing of knowledge, demonstrating goal achievement.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When in a group, we work as one, Disagreeing leads to things undone.
Stories
Once upon a time, in a classroom full of friends, they formed a study group. At first, they all cooperated, but soon they disagreed on how to study. They learned that while working together was fun, they must listen to each other to succeed.
Memory Tools
To remember Tuckman's stages: F.S.N.P.A: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning.
Acronyms
G.R.O.U.P
Goals
Roles
Organized
Unified
People.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Group
An organized system of two or more individuals interacting and dependent on one another.
- Social Loafing
Reduction in individual effort when working on a shared task.
- Groupthink
A phenomenon where a group's desire for harmony leads to irrational decision-making.
- Cohesiveness
The degree to which group members are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.
- Ingroup
A group to which an individual perceives belonging.
- Outgroup
A group with which an individual does not identify.
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