SIT and SCT

What is the main focus of Social Identity Theory?

• The study of individual personality traits

• The understanding of group behaviour and identity

• The analysis of economic systems

• The exploration of historical events

Answer explanation

Social Identity Theory primarily focuses on how individuals identify with groups, influencing their behavior and self-concept. This makes 'the understanding of group behaviour and identity' the correct choice.

According to Social Identity Theory, what is 'in-group' bias?

• The tendency to favour members of one's own group

• The preference for neutral parties

• The inclination to support rival groups

• The avoidance of group affiliations

Answer explanation

'In-group' bias refers to the tendency to favour members of one's own group over those in other groups. This concept is central to Social Identity Theory, highlighting how group affiliations influence perceptions and behaviors.

What is the term for the process of categorising people into groups based on shared characteristics?

• Individualisation

• Grouping

• Social categorisation

• Personalisation

Answer explanation

The correct term is 'social categorisation', which refers to the process of grouping individuals based on shared traits, such as race, gender, or interests, helping to simplify social interactions and perceptions.

Which of the following is NOT a component of Social Identity Theory?

• Social categorisation

• Social comparison

• Social identification

• Social isolation

Answer explanation

Social Identity Theory includes social categorisation, social comparison, and social identification. Social isolation is not a component of this theory, making it the correct answer.

What does Social Identity Theory suggest about the relationship between self-esteem and group membership?

• Self-esteem is unrelated to group membership

• Self-esteem is solely based on individual achievements

• Self-esteem is enhanced by positive group membership

• Self-esteem decreases with group membership

Answer explanation

Social Identity Theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-esteem from their group memberships. Positive group membership enhances self-esteem, making this the correct choice.

What role does 'out group' discrimination play in Social Identity Theory?

• It results in negative attitudes towards rival groups

• It causes individuals to ignore group differences

• It leads to positive perceptions of rival groups

• It encourages collaboration between groups

Answer explanation

Out-group bias in Social Identity Theory leads to negative attitudes towards rival groups, as individuals tend to favor their own group and view others unfavorably, reinforcing in-group solidarity and hostility towards out-groups.

What is the primary focus of Social Cognitive Theory?

• The study of individual cognitive processes

• The understanding of how people learn through observation

• The analysis of economic systems

• The exploration of historical events

According to Social Cognitive Theory, what is the role of self-efficacy?

• It decreases with increased social interaction

• It solely depends on group dynamics

• It is unrelated to personal achievements

• It determines the level of motivation and persistence in tasks

Which of the following is an example of vicarious reinforcement in Social Cognitive Theory?

• A person deciding to avoid a task due to personal fear

• A person observing someone else being rewarded and then imitating their behavior

• A person being rewarded for their own actions

• A person learning a skill through trial and error

What is a stereotype?

• An individual opinion

• A scientific fact

• A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing

• A unique personal trait