Studied by 1 person
What is the Social Cognitive Theory
The social cognitive theory (SCT) explains how people learn behaviours through observations, imitations and modelling. Learning occurs not only through direct experience but also by observing others. Key concepts of the SCT include Observational learning, Vicarious reinforcement, and Self-efficacy
What is the Social Identity Theory
The Social Identity Theory (SIT) explains how individuals derive a sense of self based on their group memberships. SIT suggests that people catergorise themselves and others into in-groups (their group) and out-groups (other groups), which fosters group identity. This leads to self comparison where individuals seek to boost their self confidence by favouring the in-group and discriminating against the out-group.
What are stereotypes
Stereotypes are cognitive schemas that catergorise inidividuals or groups, which often leads to overgeneralised beliefs. These mental shortcuts influence behaviours by influencing how information is percieved remembered and acted upon. One way stereotypes form is fom illusionary correlation where a percieved association is made between two unrelated variables, such as minority groups and negative behaviours.
SAQ on Social cognitive theory
Bandura (1961) bobo doll labaratory experiment
demonstrating children imitate aggressive behaviour after observing it in an adult model
Aim - to investigate the effect of children’s exposure to an agressive model
Procedure - 36 boys and 36 girls
observed in 3 groups - Aggressive model, Non aggressive mode, no model Then they were placed in the room with the bobo doll
Results- Agressive model children = more lkely to be agressive. Boys were more likely to exhibit physically aggressive behaviour with a male model while the girls wre more likely to exhibit verbally agressive behaviour with a Female model
Round up- Demonstrates observational learning
and identification, as children were more likely to imitate models of the same gender
SAQ on Social Identity Theory
Tajfel (1971) showed SIT’s principles through the minimal group paradigm, which shows even trivial group distincions can lead to in-group favouritism
48 UK school boys, assigned to two groups based on their supposed preference for one artist
Asked to choose to allocate points which could redeem rewards to other participants, only knowing their group membership.
Results:
Mmebers of their own in-group were consistently favoured even though there was no personal gain. Fewer points were allocated to members of the other group, showing out-group discrimination.
Demonstrates catergorisation (grouping based on a criteria)
Identification (forming an in-group)
Comparison (favouring the in-group to boost self-confidence)
Social catergorisation is sufficient to trigger in-group favouritism and out-group discrimination.
SAQ on Stereotypes
Hamilton and Gilford (1976) demostrated how illusionary correlation contribute to stereotype formation
Laboratory experiment with 40 university students with descriptions of two groups - Group A (majority) and Group B (minority) The descriptions detailed positive and negative behaviours performed by members of each group. The proportion of negative and positive behaviours were proportional to the size of the group.
The participants were asked to evaluate the groups
The results:
Negative behaviours of group B = Overestimated percieved as more frequent than they actually were
negative behaviours = rarer = stand out more when performed by the smaller minority group
Participants formed stereotypes on group B based on this biased perception.
Conclusion:
Illustrates how stereotype affect behaviour through biased perception and memory. Stereotype guide future interactions = lead to discrimination or prejudice
Avoid minority as more likely to exhibit negative behaviours.
Explain how belonging to social groups can influence behaviour.
Tajfel (1970) – Social Identity Theory (SIT); in-group favoritism.
Explain one influence of culture on behaviour. Explain one cultural origin of behaviour
Berry (1967)
Explain how belonging to cultural groups may influence behaviour and/or cognition.
Berry (1967) – Investigates how cultural values (individualism vs. collectivism) influence conformity.
Explain the role of one cultural dimension in human behaviour.
Outline one way cultural dimensions can influence behaviour.
Berry (1967) – Individualism vs. collectivism and its influence on conformity.
Explain one effect of enculturation on human behaviour.
Outline one study related to enculturation.
Fagot (1978) – Parents reinforce gender-appropriate behavior, shaping children's gender norms.
Outline one way cultural norms may influence human behaviour.
Fagot (1978) – Reinforcement of gender roles based on cultural expectations.
Describe one effect of acculturation on human behaviour.
Luek and Wilson (2010)
Outline what it means to assimilate and how this may influence behaviour.
Luek & Wilson (2010) – Acculturation stress and assimilation strategies among Asian immigrants in the U.S.
Outline one research method used to study cultural influences on behaviour.
Luek and Wilson (2010) Semi-structured interviews
Describe the use of one research method used to study the individual and the group.
Bandura (1961) – True laboratory experiment (observing imitation of aggression).
Explain the use of one research method used in the sociocultural approach to understanding human behaviour.
Bandura (1961) – True laboratory experiment (observing imitation of aggression through observational learning).
Outline one ethical consideration related to studies on the individual and the group.
Bandura (1961) – Protection from harm (exposing children to aggression).
Explain one ethical consideration relevant to studies on cultural origins of behaviour.
Berry (1967) – Informed consent from indigenous populations.
Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study on cultural influences on behaviour.
Berry (1967) - cultural influences on behaviour and raises ethical concerns about informed consent in cross-cultural research.
Outline one ethical consideration related to studies in the sociocultural approach to understanding human behaviour.
Bandura (1961) – Protection from harm (exposing children to aggression).
