PSYCH: Sociocultural definitions

Social Cognitive Theory

Includes observational learning, self-efficacy, and triadic reciprocal determinism.

In-group

The groups an individual belongs to

Out-group

The groups an individual does not belong to

Conformity

When you adapt your behaviour to be in line with others

It is a type of social influence in which we change our behaviour to group norms to gain a sense of belonging.

Self-efficacy

The expectation of personal success based on the belief that one has control of actions and abilities.

Triadic Reciprocal determinism

Individual is affected by group, but the individual can affect the behaviour in the group.

Behaviour, environment, and personal factors all influence one another.

Socialisation

The process of learning and adopting the norms and accepted behaviours of society.

Social learning

Suggests behaviour is modelled by other members of a group and acquired through observation or imitation based on consequences of a behaviour.

Social Identity theory

Refers to the way someone thinks about themselves and how they evaluate themselves in relation to groups. A person's sense of who they are is based on their memberships of social groups.

Based on 4 concepts:

• Social categorisation

• Social identity

• Social Comparison

• Positive Distinctiveness

Social categorisation

The process of classifying people into groups based on similar characteristics.

Individual believes they are in the in-group, and any other groups is an out-group.

Leads to in-group favoring and discriminating against the out-group.

Increases perceived variability between the ingroup and the outgroup (we are different from them), while reduced perceived variability within the ingroup and within the outgroup. (accentuation effect).

Involved in the formation of stereotypes

Social identity

Part of our self-concept that is based on knowledge of our membership of one or more social groups

Social Comparison

We continuously compare our ingroup with relevant outgroups.

Positive Distinctiveness

Fuels social comparison.

The motivation to show that our ingroup is preferable to an outgroup, because we want to enhance self-esteem and maintain superiority over the outgroup.

Stereotype

A stereotype is a generalised and rather fixed wat of thinking about a groups of people. Examples of stereotypes influencing behaviour could be prejudice and discrimination.

Stereotype threat

The theory of stereotype threat indicates that internalised stereotypes could influence an individual's self-perception and behaviour in negative ways.

Arises when one is in a situation where one has the fear of doing something that would inadvertently confirm a negative stereotype.

Grain of truth hypothesis

The theory that stereotypes are derived, however loosely, from some aspect of social reality. Does not mean the stereotype is necessarily true, however it was originated from some sort of truth.

Illusory correlation

Phenomenon whereby observers conclude that two factors are associated despite the lack of any real associated between them.

Culture

Cultures are made up of a set of attitudes, behaviours, and symbols shared by a large group of people, and usually communicated from one generation to the next.

• Characterised by different norms and conventions

 

"Dynamic system of rules, explicit and implicit established by groups in order to ensure their survival, involving attitudes, values, beliefs, norms, and behaviours."

Surface Culture

behaviours, customs, traditions and words that can be easily of observed. (e.g. food or dress choices)

Deep Culture

the beliefs, attitudes, and values of a group. (e.g. respect for authority or need to save money for the future)

Cultural dimensions

(Hofstede)

Dimensions are how the values and trends of a society affect behaviour.

Six cultural dimensions:

1. Individual v collectivism

2. Power distance index

3. Masculinity v femininity

4. Uncertainty Avoidance

5. Long term v short term orientation

6. Indulgence v restraint

Individualist society

ties between individuals are loose, everyone is expected to look after themselves and their immediate family.

Collectivist society

social harmony is valued more and individuals are defined by their group membership.

Enculturation

Enculturation is the process by which people learn the necessary and appropriate skills and norms in the context of their culture.

• Can be through observation (SCT), formal instruction or direct personal experience

Acculturation

Acculturation is the process by which people change as a result of contact with other cultures in order to assimilate with a new culture.

Assimilation

 When an individual changes their own identity and adopts the culture of their new country, rejecting their home culture.

Acculturative Stress

Psychological, somatic, and social difficulties, resulting in anxiety, depression and other forms of mental and physical stress.

Occurs when moving to a new culture, and not feeling part of the new 'group'.

Globalisation

The process of interaction and integration among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a process driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology.

• Brings people of different cultures in physical and virtual contact with each other

Contact Hypothesis

Through positive contact with out-groups, we improve intergroup relationships

Dynamic constructivist theory of culture

Argues that by being exposed to a culture, people develop a cognitive representation of the culture made up of a central concept that is linked to different traits for that culture.