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
Presence increases physiological arousal.
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.