Assignment Code: MPC 004/ASST/TMA/2023-24

Course Code: MPC-004

Assignment Name: Advanced Social Psychology

Year: 2023-2024

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Section A

Answer the following question in about 1000 words each: Marks 15x3=45

Q1) Discuss the nature and concept of social psychology.

Ans) The nature of social psychology is multifaceted and dynamic, reflecting its role in exploring the complex interplay between individual behaviour and the social context in which it occurs. This field of psychology is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from other branches of psychology and contribute to its unique nature.

Focus on Social Interactions: At its core, social psychology concentrates on the study of social interactions and how individuals behave, think, and feel within social contexts. It seeks to understand the impact of social influences, norms, and dynamics on human behaviour. Social psychologists investigate questions such as how people form impressions of others, how social groups influence decision-making, and how social norms shape individual conduct.

Scientific Approach: Social psychology adopts a rigorous scientific approach to the study of human behaviour. Researchers in this field employ empirical methods to collect and analyse data systematically. They use a range of research methodologies, including experiments, surveys, observations, and correlational studies, to evaluate hypotheses and uncover patterns in human behaviour. This scientific foundation ensures that social psychology's findings are grounded in empirical evidence.

Interdisciplinary Nature: Social psychology is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing insights and methodologies from various fields such as sociology, anthropology, biology, and cognitive psychology. This interdisciplinary approach enables social psychologists to explore the multifaceted aspects of human behaviour in social contexts comprehensively. It enriches the field by integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Examination of Individual and Group Behaviour: Social psychology explores both individual and group behaviour. It seeks to understand how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and actions are influenced by their interactions with others, as well as how group dynamics and collective behaviour emerge. This dual focus allows researchers to investigate topics ranging from conformity and obedience to group polarization and intergroup conflict.

Emphasis on Social Influence: A central theme in social psychology is the examination of social influence processes. Researchers investigate how people conform to group norms, comply with authority figures, and are influenced by persuasive communication. These studies shed light on the mechanisms through which social pressures affect individual behaviour and decision-making.

The Role of Cognition and Emotion: Social psychologists delve into the cognitive and emotional processes underlying social behaviour. They explore how individuals perceive and interpret social information, make attributions about others, and experience emotions in social situations. This emphasis on cognition and emotion provides insights into the psychological mechanisms at play in social interactions.

Practical Applications: Social psychology extends beyond theoretical exploration and academic research to offer practical applications. Its findings are relevant to real-world scenarios and can inform interventions in areas such as education, healthcare, advertising, and conflict resolution. Social psychologists develop strategies to promote pro-social behaviour, reduce prejudice, and enhance communication effectiveness.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are integral to social psychology research. Given the potential impact of social experiments on participants' emotions and behaviours, researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure the well-being and informed consent of study participants. Ethical principles help maintain the integrity of social psychology research.

Evolving Perspectives: Social psychology is not a static field; it continuously evolves to address emerging social issues and adapt to changing societal contexts. Researchers investigate contemporary topics such as social media influence, online behaviour, and the psychological impact of global events. This adaptability ensures that social psychology remains relevant to current social realities.

The concept of social psychology is rooted in the study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the presence, actions, and perceptions of others within social contexts. It explores the intricate interplay between the individual and the social environment, shedding light on the psychological processes underlying human interactions, group dynamics, and societal behaviours. Here, we delve deeper into the concept of social psychology:

Understanding Social Behaviour: At its core, social psychology seeks to understand why people behave the way they do in social situations. It examines how individuals navigate complex social environments, make decisions, and respond to various social stimuli. This understanding encompasses both ordinary, everyday interactions and extraordinary events, making it a versatile field of study.

Influence of Social Context: Social psychology places a significant emphasis on the influence of the social context on individual behaviour. It acknowledges that people often behave differently when they are alone compared to when they are in the presence of others. Social situations can activate specific social norms, expectations, and roles that shape behaviour, and social psychologists seek to uncover these dynamics.

Role of Perception: Perception plays a pivotal role in social psychology. How individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as how they interpret social cues and situations, impacts their behaviour and emotions. Social psychologists investigate topics such as social perception, impression formation, and stereotyping to gain insights into the lens through which individuals view the social world.

Social Influence: One of the central themes in social psychology is the study of social influence processes. It explores how people are influenced by conformity, obedience, persuasion, and social pressure. Researchers delve into questions about why individuals conform to group norms, comply with authority figures, or change their attitudes in response to persuasive messages.

Group Dynamics: Social psychology extends beyond individual behaviour to explore the dynamics of groups. Researchers investigate how groups form, develop norms, and influence their members. This includes studying phenomena such as group polarization, social identity, and intergroup relations, which provide insights into collective behaviour and its impact on society.

Attitudes and Beliefs: Attitudes, beliefs, and values are central to social psychology. It examines how these cognitive structures are formed, maintained, and changed. Understanding the factors that influence attitudes is essential for addressing issues like prejudice reduction, attitude change campaigns, and the impact of media on public opinion.

Motivation and Emotion: Social psychology explores the motivation and emotional aspects of social behaviour. It investigates how individuals are driven by motives such as affiliation, achievement, and power in social contexts. Additionally, it examines how emotions like empathy, aggression, and altruism influence interpersonal relationships and societal outcomes.

Applied Implications: Social psychology has practical applications in various domains, including education, healthcare, marketing, and conflict resolution. It informs interventions designed to promote pro-social behaviour, reduce prejudice, enhance communication, and resolve interpersonal conflicts. These applications demonstrate the field's relevance to addressing real-world challenges.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are paramount in social psychology research. Given the potential impact of experiments on participants' emotions and behaviours, researchers adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure informed consent, privacy, and well-being. Ethical principles protect the rights and dignity of research participants.

Interdisciplinary Nature: Social psychology is an interdisciplinary field that draws from psychology, sociology, anthropology, communication studies, and other disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach enriches its perspectives and methodologies, allowing researchers to explore human behaviour within diverse social and cultural contexts.

Q2) Discuss the development and maintenance of prejudices and discrimination.

Ans) Both prejudice and discrimination are complicated social phenomena that can be traced back to deep-seated origins in history, psychology, and society. In order to devise successful tactics to overcome these biases and create a society that is more equal and inclusive, it is essential to have a solid understanding of how they originate and continue to exist. During this in-depth conversation, we will investigate the origins of prejudice and discrimination, as well as the ways in which they continue to exist today, while taking into account a variety of circumstances that play a role.

Development of Prejudices:

1. Social Learning: It is common for the seeds of prejudice to be planted during childhood through the process of social learning. Children pick up attitudes, opinions, and biases from their parents and other adults who care for them, as well as from their peers and the media. Their perspectives on the various social groupings are shaped as a result of these influences. For instance, children are prone to internalise their parents' prejudices if their parents communicate biased opinions or stereotypes about particular racial or ethnic groups in the home.

2. Categorization: Human beings have a natural tendency to categorize the world around them, including people. Categorization simplifies complex social environments but can also lead to stereotyping. Stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people that may be based on limited information or biased beliefs. When individuals categorize others into groups and apply stereotypes, it can lead to prejudiced attitudes.

3. Social Identity Theory: According to the social identity theory, people have a tendency to boost their own sense of self-esteem by classifying themselves and others into various social groupings. They gain a sense of who they are and their place in the world through the communities in which they participate. This has the potential to foster in-group favouritism, which occurs when individuals see their own group favourably while viewing other groups unfavourably.

4. In-Group vs. Out-Group Bias: The development of prejudice is often fuelled by the perception of differences between one's in-group (the group to which an individual belongs) and out-groups (other groups). People tend to favour their in-group and show bias against out-groups. This bias can manifest in various forms, such as ethnic, racial, religious, or national bias.

5. Cultural and Historical Factors: Many times, prejudices can be traced back to historical or cultural events. The formation of biases can be influenced by a variety of factors, including historical events, colonisation, conflicts, and societal standards. For instance, deeply rooted prejudices against particular groups may have their roots in historical battles or in the discriminatory policies of various institutions.

Maintenance of Prejudices:

1. Confirmation Bias: Once individuals hold prejudiced beliefs, they often engage in confirmation bias. This means they seek out information that confirms their existing biases and ignore or dismiss information that challenges them. Confirmation bias reinforces prejudiced views and inhibits change.

2. Socialization and Peer Influence: As individuals grow, their peer groups and social environments continue to influence their attitudes and behaviours. If a person is surrounded by others who hold prejudiced views, they may feel social pressure to conform to those beliefs to gain acceptance or approval. Peer influence can help maintain prejudices over time.

3. Media and Stereotypes: The media has a considerable impact on both the formation and the continuation of prejudices. It's possible for media like television and movies, as well as news reporting and social media, to promote negative stereotypes and biased portrayals of specific communities. The consumption of content like this from the media might exacerbate preexisting prejudices.

4. Lack of Intergroup Contact: Individuals are more likely to harbour prejudices when they have infrequent or superficial interactions with people who are members of other social groups. It is possible for prejudices and biases to continue unchecked if there are not enough opportunities for constructive interactions and exposure to a variety of points of view.

5. Structural and Institutional Discrimination: Discriminatory policies, practices, and institutions can perpetuate prejudices. When discriminatory systems are embedded in society, they provide a foundation for continued bias and discrimination. These structures can reinforce existing prejudices and limit opportunities for marginalized groups.

6. Political and Economic Factors: Prejudices and discrimination can either be made worse by political leaders and economic situations, or they can be made less severe by those factors. Prejudice can be fuelled by populist language, politics that divide people, and economic inequities; yet policies that are inclusive and opportunities for economic advancement can help overcome prejudice.

Combating Prejudices and Discrimination:

Understanding the development and maintenance of prejudices and discrimination is essential for addressing these issues effectively. Strategies to combat prejudice and discrimination include:

1. Education and Awareness: Promote diversity and inclusion education in schools and communities to raise awareness about biases and stereotypes. Encourage critical thinking and media literacy to help individuals recognize and challenge prejudiced beliefs.

2. Intergroup Contact: Foster opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to interact and build positive relationships. Contact hypothesis suggests that increased contact between groups can reduce prejudice, especially when the contact is cooperative and supported.

3. Legislation and Policies: Implement anti-discrimination laws and policies that protect the rights of marginalized groups and promote equal opportunities. Hold institutions and individuals accountable for discriminatory practices.

4. Media Representation: Advocate for fair and accurate media representation of diverse groups. Encourage media outlets to portray underrepresented communities positively and authentically.

5. Community Engagement: Engage communities in dialogue and initiatives that promote tolerance, diversity, and understanding. Encourage open discussions about prejudice and discrimination to challenge existing beliefs.

6. Leadership and Role Models: Promote leaders and role models from diverse backgrounds who can inspire and lead by example. Representation in positions of power can help challenge systemic biases.

7. Self-Reflection: Encourage individuals to engage in self-reflection and self-awareness to identify and confront their own biases. Training programs can help individuals become more conscious of their implicit biases.

Both prejudice and discrimination are complicated phenomena that have their origins firmly planted in the culture, the history, and the minds of individuals. It is essential to take action against both the genesis and continuation of these problems if one is to successfully battle them. Through the implementation of educational programmes, the promotion of intergroup contact, the enactment of fair policies, and the cultivation of inclusive communities, our society can work toward the reduction of prejudices and discrimination and the creation of a future that is more equitable for all.

Q3) Define group dynamics. Explain the meaning, concept, and importance of group dynamics.

Ans) The subfield of social psychology known as group dynamics investigates the interactions, behaviours, and relationships that occur among individuals who are gathered together. It investigates the complex ways in which individuals within groups influence one another, as well as the ways in which the dynamics of the group affect individual members. During the course of this conversation, we are going to investigate the fundamentals of group dynamics, as well as its significance in many different facets of society.

Nature of Group Dynamics:

1. Formation through Interaction: Groups are formed when individuals come together through interaction. Whether it is a school, a playgroup, or a social club, groups emerge as people engage with each other. The interaction can be both formal and informal, depending on the group's purpose and structure.

2. Two-Way Process: Group dynamics involve a two-way process where individuals or subgroups within the larger group stimulate and modify each other's behaviour. This mutual influence shapes the overall functioning and behaviour of the group.

3. Impact of Personality: The behaviour and personality characteristics of individual members have a significant impact on group dynamics. Individual differences can affect how the group functions and interacts. Leadership, conflict resolution, and group cohesion are all influenced by the personalities within the group.

4. Formal vs. Informal Groups: Groups can be categorized as formal or informal. Formal groups are based on specific norms and values, often with structured rules, such as a school or workplace. Informal groups, on the other hand, have more flexible rules and are often based on shared interests or friendships.

5. Group Norms and Values: Typically, groups will create their own standards of behaviour known as norms. These norms serve as guidelines for how members of the group are supposed to behave and interact with one another. The group's cohesion and order are both helped along by the establishment of norms.

6. Influence of Peer Groups: The behaviours and beliefs of an individual are significantly influenced by their social circle, which might include classmates as well as friends. Peer pressure and ideals that are held in common by members of these organisations can have a significant impact on the persons who are a part of them.

Concepts of Group Dynamics:

1. Group Cohesiveness: Group cohesiveness refers to the degree to which group members stick together and experience a sense of unity. It arises from shared goals, values, and interpersonal bonds. High cohesiveness often leads to greater group productivity and satisfaction.

2. Group Locomotion: Group locomotion is the collective movement of the group toward its goals or objectives. It signifies the group's progress and forward momentum in achieving its common purpose.

3. Social Force: When a group forms with a shared goal, it creates a social force. This force influences the behaviour and actions of individual members within the group. The collective energy of the group can drive individuals to work together toward a common objective.

4. Change Through Interaction: Group dynamics involve change in behaviour through interaction within the group. As members interact and share their perspectives, they may adapt their behaviour, beliefs, or attitudes. This interaction-driven change is a central aspect of group dynamics.

Importance of Group Dynamics:

1. Effective Task Performance: The dynamics of the group are absolutely necessary for efficient completion of the work. It is possible for individuals to do things in a manner that is both more efficient and innovative when they work together as a cohesive group rather than working alone.

2. Improved Meetings: Meetings can be more productive and have fewer instances of conflict if the participants have a greater awareness of the dynamics that occur inside groups. Making certain that there is sufficient communication and decision-making inside groups is one way to prevent a lack of constructive outcomes from occurring.

3. Benefits for Individuals: The members of the group can benefit from the dynamics of the group by gaining a sense of belonging, receiving social support, and having possibilities to develop personally. The well-being of people might be improved as a result of these beneficial experiences within groups.

4. Multicultural Diversity: In today's multicultural societies, group dynamics play a crucial role in managing diversity. Understanding how groups function can help navigate interactions among people from various cultural backgrounds.

5. Future Group Functioning: The functioning of a group can be influenced by its dynamics in the future. It is possible for groups to develop and adapt to changing conditions if good dynamics are encouraged and bad dynamics are addressed.

6. Participation and Satisfaction: The dynamics of the group make active involvement among members easier, which ultimately results in enhanced happiness. The level of motivation that individuals have inside a group to contribute to it and work together improves when they feel that their voices are being heard and valued.

7. Interpersonal Attraction: The dynamics of the group play a role in the formation of interpersonal attraction between members of the group. The bonds that are developed inside groups have the potential to last beyond the specific purposes of the organisation, resulting in long-lasting connections.

8. Communication and Interaction Patterns: It is possible to improve communication and interaction patterns within groups by gaining an understanding of group dynamics. Collaboration and conflict can be reduced significantly when there is effective communication.

9. Power and Control: The allocation of power and control within a group can be influenced by the dynamics of the group. When these dynamics are taken into account, the distribution of influence and decision-making authority can be made more equitable.

10. Impact on Cultural Background: The dynamics of a group can have an effect on how individuals of various racial, ethnic, and cultural origins interact with one another. Recognizing the role that group dynamics play can contribute to the closing of cultural divides and the promotion of inclusiveness.

The study of the complicated relationships and behaviours that occur among members of a group is referred to as "group dynamics," and it is a difficult and fascinating discipline. It gives light on how group dynamics influence both the individual goals of group members as well as the overall goals of the group as a whole. For efficient collaboration, conflict resolution, and the development of positive group experiences in a variety of settings, such as schools and workplaces, as well as communities and social clubs, it is essential to have an understanding of the nature, concepts, and value of group dynamics.

Section B

Answer the following questions in about 400 words each: Marks 5x5=25

Q4) Discuss the interdisciplinary Vs. intradisciplinary approaches to social psychology.

Ans) The interdisciplinary and intradisciplinary approaches to social psychology represent two distinct perspectives on how this field of study can be understood and practiced. Both approaches have their merits and contribute to the development of social psychology in unique ways.

Interdisciplinary Approach:

1. Incorporation of Various Disciplines: The interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the integration of significant elements from various disciplines. Social psychology, under this perspective, draws upon insights, theories, and methodologies from a wide range of fields, such as sociology, anthropology, political science, philosophy, and even natural sciences like biology and neuroscience. This approach acknowledges that human behaviour and social phenomena are complex and multifaceted, requiring input from diverse academic domains.

2. Holistic Understanding: By incorporating knowledge from various disciplines, the interdisciplinary approach aims to provide a more holistic understanding of social behaviour. It recognizes that social psychology cannot be studied in isolation but should be seen as part of a broader context that includes cultural, societal, and individual factors.

3. Richness of Perspectives: Interdisciplinary research in social psychology often leads to a richer diversity of perspectives. Researchers can examine human behaviour and social phenomena through multiple lenses, allowing for a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis. This approach can be especially useful when dealing with complex and multifaceted issues like prejudice, discrimination, or intergroup dynamics.

4. Practical Applications: The interdisciplinary approach often results in more practical and applicable insights. By drawing from various disciplines, social psychologists can develop interventions and strategies that are well-informed and effective in addressing real-world social problems.

Intradisciplinary Approach:

1. Specialization within Psychology: The intradisciplinary approach conceptualizes social psychology as a specialized branch within the larger field of psychology. It focuses on defining the unique problems, phenomena, and methods specific to social psychology. In other words, it seeks to understand social behaviour primarily from within the framework of psychology.

2. Emphasis on Individual and Intrapersonal Processes: Intradisciplinary social psychology maintains a strong emphasis on individual psychological processes. It explores how individuals perceive, think, and feel in social contexts, often emphasizing intrapersonal factors such as attitudes, beliefs, and cognitive processes.

3. Methodological Consistency: This approach defines social psychology's methods and practices, ensuring that research within the field adheres to a consistent set of principles. Researchers within intradisciplinary social psychology tend to employ experimental methods, surveys, and other psychological research techniques.

4. Clearer Boundaries: The intradisciplinary approach helps delineate the boundaries of social psychology as a distinct field of study. It provides a clear identity for social psychology, differentiating it from related fields like sociology, anthropology, or neuroscience.

Comparison and Integration:

It is important to note that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Researchers in social psychology can benefit from both perspectives. Interdisciplinary insights can enrich intradisciplinary research by providing broader context and new theoretical frameworks. Conversely, intradisciplinary research ensures that social psychology maintains its unique identity and focuses on individual and intrapersonal processes.

Q5) Explain about impression formation with the concept of schema and prototypes.

Ans)The primacy effect refers to the phenomenon in which information presented early has a more considerable influence on impression formation than information presented later. When participants read the extrovert paragraph first, they perceived Jim as considerably more extroverted than if they had encountered the introvert paragraph first, and vice versa. This finding underscores the psychological tendency for initial information to shape our impressions more profoundly.

While the primacy effect is a robust psychological phenomenon, recency effects, in which later information holds more weight than earlier information, have also been observed under specific conditions. Recency effects tend to occur when people are explicitly asked to make a second evaluation after receiving new information. Additionally, a long-time gap between initial exposure and the presentation of new information, as well as the belief that practice can enhance performance, can also lead to recency effects.

Schemas: Organizing Impressions and Information Processing:

Given the vast diversity of individuals and settings encountered in everyday life, it becomes crucial to organize and make sense of the information related to people's characteristics. To manage this complexity, people rely on schemas, which are organized structures of information stored in memory. Schemas not only represent how the social world operates but also enable individuals to categorize and interpret latest information in relation to these schemas.

Schemas extend beyond our understanding of everyday objects and encompass our impressions of people. For example, individuals have schemas for specific individuals in their lives, such as family members, friends, or coworkers, as well as schemas for various roles or social categories (e.g., teachers, police officers). These schemas serve as cognitive frameworks that allow for the organization of behaviours and traits into meaningful wholes.

Prototypes: Organizing Personality Traits into Meaningful Types:

Within the realm of person perception, personality types are organized into schemas known as prototypes. Prototypes are schemas that group together a set of personality traits to form a meaningful personality type. For instance, Nancy Cantor and Walter Mischel suggest a commonly held prototype related to individuals labelled at a general level as "committed."

Prototypes operate at multiple levels of specificity. At the most specific or subordinate level, the prototype may consist of diverse types of committed individuals, such as monks, nuns, or activists. At a middle level of specificity, broader classes of individuals, like religious devotees or social activists, fall under the prototype. These subordinate and middle levels are subsumed under the more general superordinate level that encompasses the entire prototype.

Q6) Explain Bem’s self-perception theory.

Ans) Daryl Bem's self-perception theory provides valuable insights into how individuals come to understand their own attitudes, beliefs, and internal states through their observations of their behaviour and the circumstances surrounding it. This theory comprises two fundamental claims:

Inference from Behaviour: Self-perception theory suggests that people acquire knowledge about their own attitudes and beliefs by inferring them from their behaviour and the context in which that behaviour occurs. For instance, if a student consistently finds themselves engrossed in reading psychology books, they may naturally infer an interest in psychology based on their behaviour.

External Cues in the Absence of Clear Internal Cues: When internal cues about one's attitudes or beliefs are vague, ambiguous, or difficult to interpret, individuals are akin to outside observers in assessing their own inner characteristics. In such cases, individuals rely on external cues, primarily their behaviour and the situational context, to infer their attitudes and beliefs. This process is analogous to how an external observer might perceive them. If there are no apparent external incentives or prior strong opinions regarding the behaviour in question (e.g., grades), individuals tend to rely on their actions and the circumstances to deduce their own attitudes.

Self-perception theory's simplicity and contrast with other prominent theories, particularly cognitive dissonance theory, contribute to its influence. This theory stands in stark contrast to cognitive dissonance theory, which posits that individuals are driven to reduce the discomfort of holding inconsistent beliefs about themselves.

Motivational State: Unlike cognitive dissonance theory, self-perception theory does not require a specific motivational state (such as dissonance reduction) for changes in self-knowledge. Instead, it necessitates individuals' willingness to infer their attitudes and beliefs based on their actions and the factors influencing those actions.

Ambiguity of Prior Beliefs: Self-perception theory contends that individuals can use their behaviour to infer self-knowledge when the internal cues provided by their prior beliefs are unclear or weak. In contrast, cognitive dissonance theory assumes that self-knowledge adjustment occurs when internal cues from prior beliefs are unambiguous and in conflict with freely chosen behaviour.

Together, these distinctions suggest that both self-perception theory and cognitive dissonance theory can explain changes in self-knowledge under different conditions. Self-perception theory elucidates the development of new self-knowledge when behaviour aligns with clear initial self-views, while cognitive dissonance theory accounts for alterations in existing self-knowledge following behaviour that contradicts unequivocal initial self-views.

One of the significant contributions of self-perception theory lies in its ability to offer insights into a broad range of self-attribution phenomena. Importantly, it can elucidate how individuals develop self-knowledge from their behaviour even when there is no inherent inconsistency between their prior beliefs and their actions. This versatility enhances our understanding of how individuals perceive themselves and adjust their self-knowledge in various situations, enriching the landscape of psychological theory.

Q7) Discuss about conformity, compliance and obedience as the areas of social influences.

Ans) Conformity, compliance, and obedience are key areas within the study of social influence, each describing distinct ways in which individuals are influenced by the behaviour and expectations of others. These concepts shed light on how individuals adapt their actions and beliefs to fit into societal norms or respond to authority figures.

Conformity:

Conformity is the tendency of individuals to adapt their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours to match those of a reference group or the larger society standards. Conformity can also refer to the act of a group of individuals acting in the same manner. This phenomenon frequently occurs as a result of either the desire to be accepted or the need to avoid being rejected by others. The line judgement tests conducted by Solomon Asch are considered to be classic research on conformity. In these experiments, participants were asked to conform to a plainly wrong group consensus in order to avoid standing out. When there is a lack of consensus in the group, when members believe the group to be more competent, or when the group has an elevated level of cohesion, conformity is particularly strong in those situations. It is essential to the preservation of societal order and cohesion, but it also has the potential to influence individuals to act contrary to their better judgement at times.

Compliance:

Individuals are said to be compliant when they provide their assent to a request or recommendation made by another person or group. This assent is typically obtained by the use of strategies like as persuasion, solicitations, or techniques of subtle influence. Compliance, as contrast to conformity, does not necessarily include a change in one's beliefs or attitudes; rather, it is more about succumbing to the pressure or persuasion that is exerted from the outside. Compliance tactics include social validation (thinking others are doing it), authority figures, social validation (feeling obligated to return a favour), commitment and consistency (being consistent with past commitments), and reciprocity (feeling obligated to return a favour) (submitting to those in positions of authority). The concept of compliance is employed extensively in marketing, business, and even in normal social interactions.

Obedience:

Obedience pertains to the inclination of individuals to follow direct orders or commands from an authority figure, even if those orders go against their moral principles or personal judgment. Stanley Milgram's famous obedience experiments, where participants were asked to administer what they believed to be harmful electric shocks to others on the orders of an authority figure, highlighted the powerful impact of obedience. Factors that influence obedience include the perceived legitimacy of the authority figure, the proximity of the authority figure, and the presence of other obedient individuals. Obedience can have both positive and negative implications, as it can lead to the unquestioning execution of unethical acts under the influence of authority.

Q8) Explain the characteristics of a group.

Ans) Groups are fundamental social units that serve various purposes in society, from providing emotional support and a sense of belonging to achieving common objectives and advancing shared values. Understanding the characteristics of a group is essential for comprehending its role and influence within the broader social fabric.

These characteristics shape the group's identity, dynamics, and impact on its members and the larger society.

1. Sense of We-Feeling: One of the foundational characteristics of a group is the development of a shared sense of identity and belongingness among its members. This feeling of "we-ness" fosters a strong bond and commitment among group members. They view themselves as part of a collective entity and often work together for common goals and interests. This shared identity can create a sense of unity and cohesion within the group.

2. Common Interest: Groups typically form around a common interest, goal, or purpose. Members of the group share a particular focus or objective that unites them. This common interest serves as a unifying force, providing direction to the group's activities and decision-making processes. It is this shared interest that often brings individuals together in the first place.

3. Feeling of Unity: Unity within a group is a natural outcome of shared interests and a sense of awe-feeling. Group members often work collaboratively, support one another, and collectively address challenges or threats. This unity strengthens the group's ability to achieve its objectives and reinforces the bonds among its members.

4. Interrelatedness: Members of a group are interconnected in several ways. They engage in reciprocal communication, interactions, and relationships that contribute to the group's functioning. These social connections form the foundation of group life, and they can range from formal roles to informal friendships within the group.

5. Affected by Group Characteristics: Each group possesses distinct social characteristics that differentiate it from other groups. These characteristics can include shared values, norms, traditions, and customs. The group's unique identity and culture influence the behaviour and attitudes of its members, shaping their interactions and decision-making processes.

6. Common Values: Groups often adhere to a set of common values that reflect their shared beliefs and principles. These values guide the moral and ethical compass of the group, influencing decision-making and behaviour. Values may be passed down through generations and serve as a basis for group cohesion.

7. Control within the Group: Groups establish rules, norms, and procedures that govern member behaviour. These controls are accepted by group members and help maintain order and stability within the group. The presence of social norms and expectations shapes how individuals act within the group context.

8. Obligations: Group members often have complementary obligations to one another. These obligations are based on roles and responsibilities within the group structure. Fulfilling these obligations strengthens relationships, reinforces unity, and contributes to the group's overall functioning.

9. Expectations: Beyond obligations, group members have expectations of one another. These expectations can encompass emotional support, cooperation, empathy, and shared responsibility. Meeting these expectations helps maintain the cohesiveness of the group.

Section C

Answer the following in about 50 words each: Marks 10x3=30

Q9) Scope of social psychology.

Ans) The scope of social psychology encompasses the study of how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by social interactions, group dynamics, and societal factors. It explores topics such as attitude formation, prejudice, conformity, aggression, and interpersonal relationships, shedding light on the complexities of human social behaviour and its underlying psychological processes.

Q10) Cognitive algebra.

Ans) The term "cognitive algebra" comes from the field of psychology and refers to the way in which people mentally mix, manipulate, and process information or ideas, frequently making use of rules and operations that are equivalent to those found in mathematical algebra. It breaks down difficult mental tasks into more manageable cognitive components in order to provide an explanation for cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making, and reasoning.

Q11) Fundamental attribution error.

Ans) The fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias in social psychology where people tend to attribute the behaviour of others primarily to their internal characteristics, such as personality or disposition, while underestimating the influence of external factors, like the situation or context, when explaining their behaviour. It can lead to misconceptions and unfair judgments.

Q12) Empathic-joy hypothesis.

Ans) The empathic-joy hypothesis is a concept that originated in the field of psychology and proposes that individuals may feel joy or happiness when they empathise with the enjoyment of others. It argues that experiencing happy emotions oneself might be triggered by watching positive emotions in another person, leading to a sense of shared satisfaction and an emotional connection with the other person.

Q13) Attitude and beliefs.

Ans) Attitudes and beliefs are psychological constructs that influence a person's perception, appraisal, and response to numerous parts of the world. Attitudes can be positive or negative, whereas beliefs might be positive or negative. Beliefs are precise convictions or acceptances of the truth regarding a subject, whether it be an item, an idea, or a situation, whereas attitudes are general expressions of an individual's overall appraisal or emotional response to a topic.

Q14) Nature of social conflict.

Ans) When the interests, values, beliefs, or resources of two persons or organisations compete with one another, this can lead to social conflict, which can be described as a disagreement, tension, or struggle between the two parties. It is possible for differences in power, ideology, or conflicting goals to give rise to a number of different manifestations of this phenomenon, some of which include individual conflicts, societal disputes, and even global hostilities.

Q15) Group structure.

Ans) The organisation and arrangement of roles, rules, and relationships within a group are collectively referred to as the group's structure. It specifies the hierarchy, norms, and expectations that members are expected to abide by all of which impact how members interact with one another. Leadership positions, communication patterns, and group norms are examples of common characteristics that, when taken together, have a collective impact on the dynamics and functioning of the group.

Q16) Active crowd.

Ans) An active crowd is a type of collective behaviour characterized by intense and purposeful actions. It often forms around a specific event or issue, such as a protest or demonstration. Members of an active crowd are motivated and organized, working together to achieve a common goal or express a shared message through coordinated actions.

Q17) Social contact.

Ans) Social contact refers to the interaction and communication between individuals in a social context. It plays a crucial role in shaping social relationships, norms, and behaviours. Social contact can occur in various settings, such as family, friends, work, or community, and it influences the way people perceive and relate to one another.

Q18) Effects of conflict.

Ans) Conflict can have both negative and positive effects. Negative effects include increased tension, damaged relationships, and potential violence. However, conflict can also lead to positive outcomes, such as problem-solving, increased creativity, and improved understanding if managed constructively. It can stimulate necessary change and growth in relationships and organizations when managed appropriately.