Psychology Degree Social and Group Behavior 4

Question 1

In social identity theory, which process involves comparing one's ingroup favorably to outgroups to maintain positive self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Social comparison is the process in SIT where people evaluate their group against other groups, and favorably biased comparisons enhance collective self-esteem.

Question 2

Research on prosocial behavior suggests that the most reliable predictor of helping in emergencies is:

Accepted Answer

The number of bystanders present

Answer

The number of bystanders is the strongest predictor of helping, with more bystanders leading to less helping due to diffusion of responsibility.

Question 3

The 'risky shift' phenomenon in group decision-making was eventually reframed as part of a broader concept because groups were found to also:

Accepted Answer

Sometimes shift toward more cautious positions

Answer

The risky shift was reframed as 'group polarization' when researchers discovered groups can shift toward greater caution as well as greater risk, depending on members' initial inclinations.

Question 4

Which factor did Robert Cialdini NOT identify as one of his six principles of influence?

Accepted Answer

Similarity

Answer

Cialdini's six principles are reciprocity, commitment/consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity—similarity per se is not one of the six (though it contributes to liking).

Question 5

Self-categorization theory extends social identity theory by explaining how people shift between:

Accepted Answer

Personal and collective identities depending on context

Answer

Self-categorization theory (Turner et al.) proposes that people can categorize themselves at different levels of abstraction, shifting between personal identity and various social identities based on context.

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Practice Test

Psychology Degree Social and Group Behavior 4