Sociocultural approach

This will include topics like: social Identity theory / social learning theory/sterotypes

What is the Sociocultural approach?

When behaviour changes when in a group which presents as behaviour of the social self. This will be different to the personal self

What is the social identity theory?

Looks at social categorisation. Meaning how people are classified into groups based on similar characteristics

What was the aim of Tajfeel’s study?

To investigate the affect of in-group behaviour towards the out-group

What was the procedure of Tajfeels study?

1971: sample 48 boys aged 14-15 years

• They boys were shown 12 paintings from two painters → Klee and Kandinsky

• From that they were split into two groups / this established a connection between them.

• They were then assigned a point system

  • maximum joint point → giving the largest reward to members of both groups

  • Maximum in-group profit → Giving the largest reward to members of the in-group

  • Maximum difference → Giving the largest reward to members of the out-group. / increases difference

What were the results of Tajfeel’s study?

. Boys proffered giving more points to the members of their in-group

. They resulted to making the biggest difference between the two groups even if it meant there lose

What’s the conclusion of Tajfeels study?

• Outgroup discrimination is easy to trigger

• Natural tendency for individual to favour there in-group / minimal goal is all that is needed

What was the Aim for Sherif’s study?

To investigate if group conflict can be diminished if the groups work together on a superordinate goal

What was the procedure for sherif’s study?

22 boys aged 11-12 → healthy society

• Split into two groups through random allocation. Thought to be participating in a normal camp

• Each group was asked to preform bonding group activities to build a stronger in-group connection

• Both groups were introduced an forced to compete in competitive competition between them → this resulted in antisocial behaviour between them e.g name calling

• Researchers set-up scenarios that required both groups to work together → this decreased the amount of anti-social behaviour as the activities allowed group members to get to know each other

What are the results of Sherif’s study?

When the group performed a task to achieve a common goal, the divide between the out-group and in-group decreased which increased par asocial behaviour

What is social learning (cognitive) theory?

Suggests that children learn through observation of a role model and imitating behaviour. This is reinforced through reward. (vicarious reinforcement )

What are the Cognitive mediators for social learning theory?

• attention

• retention

• identification

• motivation

• self-efficacy

What was the aim for Bandura’s study?

To investigate the effects of an adult role model on child aggression when demonstrating aggressive behaviour towards a Bobo doll.

What’s the procedure of Bandua”s study?

Laboratory experiment

• Sample : 72 children 36 boys 36 girls

• Stage 1

  • Adult played aggressively with the doll both verbally and physically

  • child observed in the corner

  • non - aggressive condition → model played quietly with toys.

• Stage 2

  • child was taken into another room /frustration is instigated

  • Once the child has shown a desire to play with the toys the child is taken to a third room.

• Stage 3

  • child is observed

  • Checklist of behaviours

What are the results of Bandura’s study?

The children that observed aggressive behaviour were more likely to show signs of aggression then children who did not watch aggressive role models

→ Children who watched a role model that was the same gender as them were more likely to imitate the behaviour

→ Boys were more aggressive then girls and displayed more physical aggression

What was the conclusion of Bandura’s study?

Role models are influential in demonstrating certain behaviour to others (followers)

Indirect learning / behaviour can be learnt through watching action

What was the aim to Perry Perry and Rasmussen’s study?

To investigate the connection between two cognitive factors that might influence decision to commit an aggressive behaviour.

What’s the procedure for Perry Perry’s study?

• Questionnaire

• Sample size: Elementary school children (mean age 11.3 years) → split into aggressive and non-aggressive group

• Two questions:

  • Children perception of self efficacy

  • Children’s belief about reinforcing and pushing consequences of aggression (positive and negative consequences of aggression)

What are the results of Perry Perry study?

Aggressive children = easier to act aggressive

→ Thought that positive reward come from aggression

What is the conclusion of Perry Perry’s study?

Children's perception of self-efficacy and children knowledge of their actions contribute to aggressive behaviour

Define stereotyping

A social perception of an individual in terms of group membership or physical attributes. A generalisation made by a group and is picked due to experience and cultural community norms.

Define the terms expectancy based and distinctiveness based

Expectancy based: When we mistakenly see a relationships due to pre-existing expectations surrounding them.

Distinctiveness-based: When a relationship is believed to exist between two variables due to focusing too much on information that stands out.