CHS AP Psychology Unit 12 Social Pyschology Essential
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CHS AP Psychology Unit 12: Social Pyschology Essential Task 12 -4: Describe the structure and function of different kinds of group behavior with specific attention to group polarization and group think
The Bunker Assignment
Power of Individuals Non-violent fasts and appeals by Gandhi led to the independence of India from the British. Margaret Bourke-White/ Life Magazine. © 1946 Time Warner, Inc. The power of social influence is enormous, but so is the power of the individual. Gandhi
Individual Behavior in the Presence of Others Michelle Agnis/ NYT Pictures Social facilitation: Refers to improved performance on tasks in the presence of others. Triplett (1898) noticed cyclists’ race times were faster when they competed against others than when they just raced against the clock.
However… • Our performance diminishes when we are not good at a task and are asked to perform it in the presence of others.
Social Facilitation • Knowing that performance on tasks diminishes when we are not good at that task… – Should students schedule when they take tests so that can take them when they are ready? Why or why not? – Should students be allowed to give oral presentations in front of just the teacher if they believe their project isn’t good, or if they are uncomfortable with their public speaking ability? Why or why not?
Social Loafing The tendency of an individual in a group to exert less effort toward attaining a common goal than when tested individually (Latané, 1981). • If social loafing is such a problem, why do teachers still use group work? • How can group members motivate each other to work their hardest during group work?
Deindividuation The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity. Mob behavior
Groupthink • A mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides the realistic appraisal of alternatives. – Groupthink occurs when people suppress their opinions to maintain perceived group harmony – The presence of a charismatic leader also makes it difficult to speak out
Groupthink • Groupthink- syndrome of bad decision-making 12. 17
Group Polarization- tendency to shift toward more extreme positions after group discussion Risky Neutral Cautious
Effects of Group Interaction Group Polarization enhances a group’s prevailing attitudes through a discussion. If a group is likeminded, discussion strengthens its prevailing opinions and attitudes. How does the Internet provide a place for group polarization to occur?
