Sociocultural Approach

Vicarious reinforcement

A process in which an individual observes the behavior of others and the consequences that follow, leading to the learning of new behaviors through the reinforcement experienced by others

Social cognitive theory

A theory that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior development

Social identity theory

A theory that posits individuals derive a sense of self and identity from their group memberships, influencing their behaviors and perceptions

Self-efficacy

One's belief in one's ability to successfully accomplish a task

Outcome expectancies

Beliefs about the consequences of behaviors that influence decisions and actions

Salience

The degree to which a particular group identity is noticeable or relevant in a given context, affecting behavior and perception

Social categorization

The cognitive process of classifying individuals into groups based on shared characteristics, such as race, gender, or age, which influences social perceptions and interactions

Social comparison

The process of evaluating oneself in relation to others to determine social worth, which can influence self-esteem and behavior

Model

An individual whose behavior, attitudes, or emotional responses are observed and imitated by others

Stereotype threat

A psychological phenomenon where individuals feel at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group, which can adversely affect their performance and behavior

Spotlight anxiety

A form of anxiety experienced by individuals who feel that they are being observed and judged by others, often related to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes regarding their social group

Informational social influence

When individuals conform to the behaviors or opinions of others in order to gain accurate information, particularly in ambiguous situations

Normative social influence

When individuals conform to the behaviors or opinions of others in order to be accepted or liked

Conformity

The act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms or expectations; this can occur in response to real or imagined pressure from a group

Illusory correlation

The perception of a relationship between two variables that does not exist

Reciprocal determinism

Behavior is influenced by personal factors and the social environment, indicating a continuous interaction between these elements

Positive distinctiveness

A cognitive bias that enhances the perceived differences between one's own group and others, often boosting in-group favoritism and self-esteem

In-group favoritism

The tendency to favor members of one's own group over those in other groups

Out-group bias

A systematic preference for one's own group that leads to a negative evaluation or discrimination against those not in that group

Out-group homogeneity

The perception that members of an out-group are more similar to each other than they are to members of one's own group

Cultural norm

A set of rules based on socially or culturally shared beliefs of how an individual ought to behave to be accepted within that group

Surface culture

What we easily see as different when we have contact with another group

Deep culture

The beliefs, attitudes, and values of a group

Enculturation

The process of adopting or internalizing the schemas of your culture

Acculturation

The process by which someone comes into contact with another culture and begins to adopt the norms and behaviors of that culture

Dimensions

How the values of a society affect behavior, the trends of behavior in a given culture

Power distance

The extent to which a culture respects authority and status

Uncertainty avoidance

A society’s tolerance for ambiguity

Assimilation

When an individual abandons their original culture and adopts the cultural behaviors and values of their new culture

Integration

When an individual adopts the behaviors and values of a new culture, while still maintaining their original culture

Separation

When migrants maintain their own culture and minimize contact with the new culture

Marginalization

When it is not really possible to maintain one’s original culture, but because of exclusion or discrimination, it is not possible to assimilate into the new culture

Acculturative stress

The psychological, somatic, and social difficulties that may accompany acculturation, often resulting in anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental and physical stress

Acculturation gaps

Generational differences in acculturation and the resulting interfamilial conflict

Reactive indentification

When an individual strengthens his or her ethnic or racial identity in response to discrimination

Sojourner

Someone who moves to another country (not simply travels, often for work or education opportunities) but does not plan on integrating into the local culture

Direct tuition

Being told what to do by a gatekeeper

Participatory learning

When you engage in an activity and then transfer that learning to later situations