PSYC 2310 Lecture : Group Behaviour.docx
2 Mar 2012
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Document Summary
A group exists when 2 or more people define themselves as members of it & when its existence is recognized by at least one other (brown, 2000; p. 3). Common goal, all want to achieve something. Individualist (allport 1962) there is nothing more to a group than the people who comprise it. Collectivist (sherif 1936) there is something more to a group than just the people who comprise it. Norms: ways of specifying what are acceptable/unacceptable attitudes and behaviours of group members. Function of norms: for individuals: norms are frame of reference to interpret world, provides predictability, and useful in novel situations, for group: norms serves as social regulation that helps group run smoothly & enhance identity. General norms: can violate a little, high level of tolerance i. e. style of fashion. Central norms: highly valued in society, members of group cannot violate them i. e. incest.
