Sociocultural Approach

What is Social Identity Theory (SIT)?

A theory by Tajfel and Turner that explains how people derive identity and self-esteem from group membership. It suggests people favor in-groups over out-groups.

What are in-groups and out-groups in SIT?

In-groups are groups we identify with. Out-groups are groups we don't identify with and may view negatively.

What are the three stages of forming social identity in SIT?

Social categorisation, social identification, and social comparision

What study supports Social Identity Theory?

Tajfel et al. (1971) – minimal group paradigm with schoolboys favoring their in-group despite meaningless groupings.

How does Tajfel's study support SIT?

It showed that mere group assignment led to in-group favoritism and out-group discrimination, supporting SIT's claim that group membership alone can influence behavior.

What is Social Cognitive Theory?

A theory by Bandura explaining that people learn behaviors by observing others, not just through direct reinforcement.

What are the four key processes in SCT?

Attention, Retention, Motivation, Reproduction.

What study supports SCT?

Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment.

How does Bandura’s Bobo Doll study support SCT?

Children observed and imitated aggressive behavior, demonstrating learning through observation.

What is one theory of stereotype formation?

Social Cognitive Theory — stereotypes form through observation and reinforcement of modeled behaviors.

What study supports SCT as a theory of stereotype formation?

Fagot et al. (1978) – observed parental reinforcement of gender-typical behavior in toddlers.

How did Fagot’s study show stereotype formation?

Parents reinforced gender-appropriate behaviors, leading children to form gender-based schemas.

How can stereotypes affect behavior?

Stereotypes can shape behavior by influencing how individuals act according to social expectations.

Which study shows the effect of stereotypes on behavior?

Fagot et al. – showed children behave in line with gender norms reinforced by parents.

What is enculturation?

The process of learning the norms, values, and behaviors of one’s culture.

What study supports enculturation of gender roles?

Fagot et al. – showed children learn gender roles from parents’ reinforcement.

What is acculturation?

The process of adapting to a new culture, which can lead to assimilation, integration, separation, or marginalization.

What is acculturative stress?

The psychological stress experienced when adjusting to a new culture.

What study shows acculturative stress and protective factors?

Lueck & Wilson – bilingualism and family cohesion reduced stress, while discrimination increased it.

What is the individualism vs collectivism cultural dimension?

Individualism values independence; collectivism values group harmony and interdependence.

What study supports the influence of cultural dimensions on behavior?

Berry (1967) – collectivist cultures showed more conformity than individualistic ones.

What is an ethical concern in Bandura’s study?

Undue stress/harm – children exposed to aggression could be psychologically affected.

What is an ethical concern in Fagot’s study?

Informed consent – young children couldn’t give full consent; only parents did.

What is an ethical issue in Berry’s study?

Deception – participants were misled about others’ answers to test conformity.

What method was used in Bandura’s study?

A lab experiment – allowed manipulation of model behavior to observe its effect.

What method was used in Berry’s study?

A quasi-experiment – compared pre-existing cultural groups without random assignment.

What method was used in Fagot’s study?

Naturalistic observation – researchers watched families at home to see how gender roles were reinforced.