Social Identity Theory

At a university, Arthur and Evie tend to group themselves with fellow engineering students and distinguish themselves from art students. This behavior exemplifies...

• In-group bias

• Social comparison

• Social categorization

• The self-esteem hypothesis

Answer explanation

The correct answer is social categorization because it refers to the process of categorizing people into in-groups and out-groups.

When Isabelle, Amelia, and Matilda consider their study group superior to other study groups in their class, this process is called...

• In-group bias

• Social comparison

• Social categorization

• The self-esteem hypothesis

Answer explanation

The process of comparing our in-group with out-groups is called social comparison.

According to SIT, when Lily and Matilda prefer their study group over others, it's because it boosts...

• Stereotypes

• Memory

• Discrimination

• Self-esteem

Answer explanation

According to SIT, we show in-group bias because it improves self-esteem.

At a university, George, Noah, and Daniel are part of various student clubs and societies. What is the basic assumption of the social identity theory that explains why they might feel a boost in their self-esteem by being part of these groups?

• We seek positive social identities in order to enhance our self esteem

• The more social groups that we belong to, the stronger our self esteem.

• A positive self esteem enhances our social identity

Answer explanation

The basic assumption of the social identity theory is that we seek positive social identities in order to enhance our self esteem.

What were the result of Tajfel's experiment?

• A majority of the boys gave points to members of the out-group, and they tried to maximise the difference between the two groups. The boys showed evidence of in group favouritism, out-group discrimination and positive distinctiveness.

• A majority of the boys gave points to members of the in-group, and they tried to maximise the difference between the two groups. The boys showed evidence of in group favouritism, in-group discrimination and positive distinctiveness.

• A majority of the boys gave more points to members of their in-group, and they tried to maximise the difference between the two groups. The boys showed evidence of in group favouritism, out-group discrimination and positive distinctiveness.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that a majority of the boys gave more points to members of their in-group, showing in-group favoritism, out-group discrimination, and positive distinctiveness.

What was the method of Tajfel et al's experiment?

• Boys were randomly allocated to groups but they believed that it was based on their artistic preference for two painters Klee or Kandinsky. The boys then had to distribute points, individually and anonymously to other boys using a matrix.

• Boys were allocated to groups based on their artistic preference for two painters Klee or Kandinsky. The boys then had to distribute points, individually and anonymously to other boys using a matrix.

• Boys chose whether they wanted to be in a group with others who preferred the artwork of Klee or the artwork of Kandinsky.

Answer explanation

The correct method of Tajfel et al's experiment involved boys being randomly allocated to groups based on their artistic preference for painters Klee or Kandinsky, then distributing points anonymously using a matrix.

During a school project on group dynamics, Sebastian, Freya, and Sophia are discussing the components of social identity theory. Which of the following is not a component of social identity theory?

• Social cognitive learning theory

• Social categorization into in-groups and out-groups

• Social comparison

• In-group bias and the tendency to use group identity to promote self-esteem

Answer explanation

Social cognitive learning theory is not a component of social identity theory. The other options - social categorization, social comparison, and in-group bias - are all key components of social identity theory.

Leo's membership in the chess club forms part of his...

• Personal identity

• Social Identity

Answer explanation

Someone's membership of a group forms part of their Social Identity.

During a school project, Kiara and Matilda tend to support their own group's ideas over Aarav's group. This behavior is an example of which stage?

• Social categorisation

• Social identification

• Social comparison

Answer explanation

In-group favouritism and out-group bias are part of the Social comparison stage, where individuals compare their group with other groups to enhance their self-esteem.

Imagine Anaya, Grace, and Poppy are part of a university debate club. They feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in their club's achievements. Which theory suggests that this sense of belonging and pride in the debate club is a crucial part of their self-concept, deriving from their membership in the group?

• Social Identity Theory

• Cognitive Dissonance Theory

• Operant Conditioning

• Classical Conditioning

Answer explanation

Social Identity Theory suggests that our social identities are a crucial part of our self-concept and derive from the groups we belong to.