SP Group Behavior Lesson

Learning Targets:

Describe how being part of a group impacts an individual's behavior and mental processes.
Explain how the presence of others influences our behavior through social facilitation, social loafing, and deindividuation.
Discuss how interactions within a group can lead to group polarization.
Explain how group dynamics can contribute to groupthink.
Describe how cultural factors shape our behavior.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

Social Facilitation: The Impact of Others on Our Behavior

Social facilitation is the phenomenon where the presence of others can either improve or worsen our performance based on the task at hand. When tackling simple or familiar tasks in the company of others, our performance tends to be enhanced. This is because the presence of others strengthens our most likely response, leading us to the correct answer more easily. However, when faced with difficult tasks, the opposite is true. The pressure of being observed by others can trigger arousal, amplifying our reactions. For example, a student giving a presentation in front of their classmates may feel more energized and perform better than when working alone on an individual project. Conversely, attempting a complex math problem during a timed test with peers watching might lead to increased anxiety and a decline in performance. Social facilitation highlights the notion that excelling in tasks we are skilled at can be further bolstered in the presence of an audience, but challenges may become more daunting under observation. This concept also sheds light on why comedians thrive in crowded venues, as the heightened arousal from a full audience can enhance their comedic delivery.

When individuals come together to work as a group, their behavior can be impacted by the presence of others through a phenomenon known as social loafing. This occurs when the group exerts less effort towards a shared goal than when each individual is held accountable separately. In these situations, group members may feel less responsible for their contributions, see their individual efforts as less crucial, overestimate their own input due to the false consensus effect, and rely excessively on the work of others. For example, in a group project at school, some students may slack off and let their classmates do most of the work, assuming their efforts are not essential to the overall outcome.

Deindividuation Explained

Deindividuation is a phenomenon where the presence of others can lead individuals to lose their self-awareness and self-restraint, often resulting in uninhibited behavior. In some cases, being in a group can arouse people, enhancing their social interactions and capabilities, while in other situations, it can reduce feelings of personal responsibility. Sometimes, the presence of others can have a dual effect, simultaneously increasing arousal and anonymity. This can lead to behaviors ranging from playful food fights to more serious acts like vandalism or rioting. For example, during Halloween, individuals wearing costumes may feel more anonymous and less likely to follow social norms, which can sometimes lead to unexpected or reckless behavior. Similarly, the anonymity provided by the internet can empower individuals to express themselves more freely, but it also opens the door to negative behaviors such as cyberbullying and hate speech.

Explore each section below to see the effects of being part of a group on behavior.

Social Loafing

Social loafing describes the situation in which we tend to expend less effort when we are a part of a group. This becomes especially pronounced when it is difficult to assess each group member's contribution. Think about group work in school. When you become part of a group, you or a group member is less likely to exert the same effort they would if they were doing the project alone.

Deindividuation

Deindividuation occurs when there is anonymity and reduced self-awareness. It is characterized by an increase in arousal and reduction in sense of responsibility. When these conditions occur people will do things they usually wouldn't do. For example teens wearing masks on Halloween may commit minor acts of vandalism that they wouldn't normally commit under normal circumstances.

In our polarized world, group interaction plays a significant role in deepening existing beliefs and attitudes. Group polarization is a powerful principle that explains how discussions with like-minded individuals can amplify our initial views. For instance, when students with low levels of prejudice engage in conversations about the impact of social media within a group of peers who share similar concerns, their awareness of online behavior and its consequences tends to increase. Another social example of group polarization that students can relate to is how spending time with friends who are passionate about mental health advocacy can lead an individual to become even more committed to destigmatizing mental health issues. This phenomenon highlights the influence of group dynamics on personal convictions and behaviors in social contexts.

In psychology, the concept of groupthink highlights how group dynamics can impact decision-making processes. Research has shown that group influence can distort important decision-making, leading to a phenomenon known as groupthink. Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony within a group overrides the realistic evaluation of alternatives. Overconfidence, conformity, self-justification, and group polarization can contribute to groupthink. However, it's essential to remember that collaboration can also lead to innovative solutions; as the saying goes, "None of us are as smart as all of us." For instance, in a social psychology experiment, a group of individuals solved a complex problem by pooling their diverse perspectives and expertise, showcasing the power of collaboration in decision-making processes.

Superordinate Goals

Superordinate goals play a crucial role in social psychology by bringing together different groups towards a shared objective, ultimately fostering cooperation and reducing negative feelings and stereotypes among individuals. For instance, during a natural disaster, people from various backgrounds come together to help those in need, setting aside any differences to focus on the common goal of providing aid and support. On the other hand, social traps can emerge when individuals prioritize their self-interest over the collective good, leading to conflicts and challenges within the group. An example of a social trap is when group members compete with each other for personal gain, rather than working together towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

The Influence of Others on Workplace Performance

Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists play a crucial role in understanding how the presence of others can impact our performance in the workplace. They spend time studying the dynamics of how people work together, the most effective management practices, and the relationships within a typical company or program. Additionally, I/O psychologists examine the concept of burnout and how individuals feel about their work environment. Through their research and insights, these psychologists provide valuable knowledge that helps improve productivity and satisfaction in the workplace.

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