Sociocultural Approach Review

These flashcards are designed to help you review key concepts and studies within the sociocultural approach, including theories, definitions, and methodological insights.

Social Identity Theory

A theory explaining how individuals define their self-concept and self-esteem based on social groups they belong to, mediated by social categorization, social comparison, and positive distinctiveness.

Social Categorization

The process of classifying people into groups based on similar characteristics, leading to group membership, in-groups, and out-groups.

Illusory Correlation

A cognitive bias where individuals mistakenly believe that there is a relationship between two variables, such as a minority group and negative behavior, despite no actual correlation.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs by observing the consequences of another person's behavior, leading to the replication of that behavior.

Enculturation

The process by which individuals learn their culture, ensuring the passing on of cultural elements through observation, direct instruction, and participatory learning.

Cultural Transmission

The process of passing cultural elements such as beliefs, values, and norms from one generation to the next.

Assimilation

A method of acculturation where individuals abandon their native culture in favor of the dominant culture, leading to potential loss of cultural identity.

Acculturative Stress

Stress that arises from the difficulties faced during the process of adjusting to a new culture, often due to conflict between original and new cultural expectations.

Group Homogeneity Effect

The perception that individuals in an out-group are more similar to each other than they actually are, often leading to stereotyping.

Conformity in Culture

The tendency of individuals to align their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes with those of their cultural group, influenced by the values and norms of that culture.

Cultural Groups

Groups of people who share common beliefs, values, norms, and practices that influence behavior and thinking, transmitted through cultural transmission.

Ethical Consideration: Informed Consent

An ethical requirement ensuring participants are fully informed about the nature of the research and their rights before agreeing to take part.