Group Processes Notes

Group Processes

Definition of a Group

• Group: Two or more people interacting and interdependent, influencing each other's needs and goals. (Aronson et al., 2022)

Composition & Function of Groups

Social Norms

• Informal rules guiding behavior.

• Different norms for various groups.

Social Roles

• Shared expectations on behaviors within a group.

• Example: behaviors of prisoners vs. guards.

Group Cohesiveness

• Qualities that bind members and foster relationships.

• Relationship between cohesiveness and performance is significant.

Group Diversity

• Related to cohesiveness.

• Groups often consist of members with similar characteristics.

• Surface vs. Deep Level Diversity: Surface relates to visible characteristics; deep involves values and beliefs.

Influence of Groups on Behavior

• Presence of others can affect behavior compared to being alone.

Social Facilitation

• Presence of others in tasks (e.g., exams) can influence performance.

  • Presence of Others: Performing tasks with others doing the same or an audience.

Research Example

• Study by Zajonc et al. (1969): Examined cockroaches running from light in the presence of other cockroaches.

Task Complexity

• Performance is enhanced in the presence of others for simple tasks but can decline for complex tasks.

Zajonc's Two-Step Argument

1. Presence increases physiological arousal.

2. Arousal aids performance on simple tasks more than complex ones.

Theories for Arousal in Social Situations

• Being alert and vigilant.

• Nervousness about evaluation (evaluation apprehension).

• Distraction from task focus.

Social Loafing

• Individual efforts blend with group efforts, reducing individual accountability.

  • Examples: Clapping at a concert, playing in an orchestra.

Impact of Social Loafing on Task Performance

• Easier tasks: performance drops.

• Harder tasks: performance improves due to less evaluation pressure.

Dynamics of Social Loafing

• Free-rider Effect: Some members don't contribute, expecting others to do so.

• Sucker Effect: Efforts decrease due to the presence of free-riders.

Gender and Cultural Differences

• Tendency to loaf is generally stronger in men and in Western cultures than in women and Eastern cultures.

Summary of Social Influences

• Social Facilitations vs. Social Loafing: Performance dynamics hinge on the presence of others, either enhancing simple task performance or impeding it in complex scenarios.

• Individual evaluation influences behavior and group performance dynamics significantly.

Key Takeaway: Understanding group dynamics aids in anticipating behaviors influenced by social contexts, applicable in academic and professional settings.