Effect of group behaviour & social influence Chapter 34

Social Groups & facilitation Human’s belong to many social groups E.g family, sports team, political party etc. Groups provide a sense of belonging & support But often set standards Groups often held together by rules & symbolism People are motivated by social status Social Facilitation - the effect of other’s presence on one’s performance - people work better on well learned or easy tasks - can be worse on difficult or new tasks Intensive competition can lead to anxiety, hostility, & health issues

Group Pressure & Deindividuation Strong group influence on an individual - making them abandon their own views/ideas People conform to group pressure: - identify with & want to be like group members - desire personal gain from group membership - want to be liked This loss of identity is DEINDIVIDUATION More likely to act mindlessly, more risk-taking, and more anonymity

Influences that change beliefs Internalisation: Incorporating an enduring set of beliefs, values or attitudes Media produces information which may or may not be internalised E.g health campaigns, party political broadcasts Advertising tries to create dissatisfaction with current situation, and a better alternative E.g cosmetics will make you irresistable to men Identification: Where a person changes beliefs to be like somebody else E.g like a celebrity