4.4 Social Identity Theory

Define Social Identity Theory

Individuals define themselves in part by the social groups they belong to

Social Groups

Refer to a group of individuals who are a common identity based on membership in a particular category, such as gender, nationality, religion, or sports team.

Social identity theorists acknowledge their are two different types of self: Social Identity (definition)

the self in terms of our group membership such as gender or ethnicity

Social identity theorists acknowledge their are two different types of self: Personal identity (definition)

our self on a more individual, private and interpersonal level

Attribution Theory

Personal and situational factors are used to interpret behaviours

People in one group may form an implicit bias (pos/neg) towards those in another social group.

Social Identity Theory based upon the following three assumptions: (list + brief description)

Individuals strive to enhance self-esteem

Membership to social groups - both positive and negative

Individual value - social comparison with out-group

Permeability

When individuals are unhappy - seek to leave existing group

To positive group identity

Permeability - Ability to move between groups due to flexibility of group boundaries

What study would be used in a Social Identity Theory question

Drury et al.

Drury et al. Year

2009

Aim

Used virtual reality to investigate the role of SIT in helping

Method

True Lab Experiment

Design

Independent measures

Sampling Strategy

Convenience - 40 Students (Sussex Uni) 20-25 years old

7 Male

33 Female

IV

Group or Individual

DV (2 variable)

Time it took to offer help

Who the help was offered to

Procedure 1:

Participants were primed by thinking about an emergency situation

Read a news report - fire in Kings Cross (31 people died)

Asked to imagine sights, noises, smells, and other sensations

Procedure 2

Participants used a virtual reality sim to experience an emergency fire in Kings Cross station

Participants 3:

Ppts could help or push away people to reach safety

Group Identity Scenario

England football match - back to Brighton for uni in the morning

Boarding train - “Fire, get out, get out”

Large flames - people running away

Adrenaline rush

Individual Identity Scenario

Long day shopping in London - Brighton for uni in the morning

Boarding train - “Fire, get out, get out”

Large flames - people running away

Adrenaline rush

Results 1:

High identification = more help and less pushed

Crowd size - no effect on help