Psychology: Outline Question: Evaluate social identity theory, making reference to specific studies.

(Start off with the definition and the origin of social identity theory.) Social Identity Theory was formulated by Henri Tajfel in the year 1979. This theory assumes that individuals strive to improve their self-image by trying to enhance their selfesteem based on either personal identities or various social identities. This theory explains the formation of in-group and out-groups amongst societies and how individuals try to fit in. (Introduce the uncertainty in the theory and then explain your command term and what you want to accomplish in this essay.) Though this theory is well known and widely accepted, there are certain weaknesses to this theory as well. This essay will give an overview of the strengths and limitations of this theory and come to a conclusion to some extent about the usefulness of this theory. (Since the question is on the social learning theory (with the SUPPORT of studies), the first paragraph can be a more elaborate overview of what the social identity theory is.) Social Identity Theory is based on the following concepts: 1. Social Categorization: Tendency to divide and therefore categorize groups into ingroups (us) and out-groups (them). 2. Social Comparison: Once in-groups and out-groups are formed, people tend to show favoritism towards the in-group and there are patterns of discrimination towards the out-group. - This comparison helps them maintain their self-esteem and so is performed. - Positive social identity is achieved by social comparison. - Positive distinctiveness is motivation to show the in-group is better and more preferable to an outgroup. - Positive identity- Positive distinctiveness both lead to a better self-image. 3. Social Identification: - We adopt the identity of the group we have categorized ourselves as belonging to, therefore adopting some of the values and behaviours of the group. - Self- concept based on membership to social groups, and affiliation with successful ones. - When relating to another member as part of a social group, our social identities affect out behaviour. - Individual identity comes from a variety of social identities (therefore the need to belong is imminent.) - Therefore, we get a sense of person accomplishment by being affiliated with these groups.

(The next paragraph should be a supporting study so that it relates to the points stated above.) The concepts of Social Identity Theory can be shown in a study conducted by Cialdini et. Al (1976). Their aim was to see as to what extent individuals associate themselves with successful groups and consider themselves to be an active part of them. This phenomenon was coined Basking in Reflected Glory. Students from seven U.S. universities were covertly monitored beforehand and data regarding their apparel was made. Then, after a weekend of football matches, the apparel of these students were recorded so as to see who wore apparel identifying with their schools. Also, interviews were conducted where students were asked about their weekend and the events that occurred during. After all the data was recorded, results were obtained. Cialdini said that students of schools that had won matches had a higher tendency to wear their school apparel as compared to students of schools which had lost. This can be interpreted as the positive distinctiveness individuals strive to obtain from their social groups. Also, when they were asked about the matches and their weekend during interviews, most students tended to used the pronoun we more to describe their team when they won and they more when the team had lost. In some experiments, researchers manipulated the feelings of the participants via distraction tasks and giving positive/negative feedback. This again indicates positive distinctiveness and how people tend to associate themselves with groups depending on their success. (This paragraph is the more important part since the command term is evaluate so both the weaknesses and the strengths of the study should be highlighted. Yes, that is stating the obvious.) Cialdinis study has been proved to be a useful study when it comes to studying the social identity theory because it proves the aspects that come under this theory. Also, since the variables are controlled by the researchers, a causal relationship can be formed between the variables. The study does have ecological validity as it does not ask the students to do anything but is only an observation-based study. It also probably considers both genders in the study. Ethical considerations do not have a role to play in regards to this study. The weaknesses of the study are also important. As is with every study conducted in the area of social psychology, there is always a chance of demand characteristics. Also, there may be other reasons that the students may have dressed up due to other reasons that have not been considered. Since the procedure involved manipulation done by the researchers, conformity by the participants could also play a role. (A final-ish conclusion of the study would be helpful) After weighing the weaknesses and the strengths, the study comes out to be pretty useful as it not only complies with the aspect that social identity covers, but it also helps psychologists develop further studies that could be more insightful into this topic. In

regards to helping evaluate the social identity theory, this study is extremely helpful as it lies within the parameters of what constitutes the theory. (Introducing the next study, also talk a little bit about the social identity theory. This helps make the basis of the answer better and is also an indicator of the extent of your knowledge.) (It is optional or can be merged with the first paragraph.) Intergroup behaviours based on social identities - Social identity is used to explain social phenomena in terms of intergroup behaviours such as Ethnocentris: ingroup self-serving bias positive behaviours are attributed to dispositional factors negative behaviours are attributed to situational factors vice versa for outgroups Intergroup differentiation: emphasising differences between ingroups and outgroups. Stereotypical thinking: Ingroup and outgroup members are perceived according to relevant stereotypes. Conformity to group norms: Behaves in accordance to standards of behaviour defined by the ingroup. (The second study should be introduced and its method and aim should be defined.) The second study that largely relates to social identity theory was a study conducted by Tajfel in the year 1970. Tajfel found that when people are randomly assigned to a group either by the flip of a coin, the drawing of a coin, the drawing of a number from a hat, or by preference for a previously unknown artist they see themselves as being similar in attitude and behaviour + automatically think of that group as their in-group and all others as an out-group, therefore a bond is formed among group members, even if they did not know each other before their assignment to the group. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the minimal group paradigm in creating in group bias. Schoolboys from Bristol were randomly allocated into groups (though they were told it was off a basis for a preference of artwork for Kandinsky or Klee). Told they were participating in a decision making experiment They individually assigned points based off a matrix to their group or another group. They were allowed no face to face contact or communication. The results were: Boys tended to favour ingroup members over outgroup members (ingroup favouritism) Boys maximised differences between groups even if it was potentially disadvantageous to their own group.

The conclusion that the researchers came to was that the idea of a group was enough to induce group bias. The results of this study too tie in with the social identity theory. (Again, the strengths and weaknesses of this study too should be weighed and evaluated.) Limitations o Unusual task in an artificial environment --> Lacks ecological validity o Might have been influenced by demand characteristics of the situation and acted in the way that they thought was expected of them. o Tajfel"s study has reduced this complex psychological phenomenon down to a very simple level, focusing just on minimal groups and performance of a simple experimental task. o Participants can"t be generalized to the wider population All boys Same age range & Country o Ethics: Deception Participants were told it was a study on decision making, when it was actually about group bias Consent Participants did not give informed consent as they did not know the true aim of the study The strengths of the study: - Results tie in with the social identity theory The weaknesses of this study overtake the study and make it hard for the results to be generalized but in practicality this study has been widely used, but this may just be because of our tendency to be cognitive misers.

(A paragraph that talks about the social identity theory as a whole and also compares its weaknesses and strengths.) Strengths of the theory: -Has been supported by a multitude of studies - Explains the phenomenon of social categorization and ingroup behaviour - Explains the basic need to belong -Explains the presence of personal and social identities and how they are related. -Contributes to other aspects of social psychology as well such as stereotypes and conformity. Weaknesses of the theory: -Applications are restricted by methodical limitations such as low ecological validity and samples that cannot be generalized as well. -As is part of social psychology, it is not necessary for all people to follow the same pattern, it is only a generalization.

-Social comparison to make ingroup superior does not necessarily have an effect on personal identity. (The final paragraph, the conclusion. This should conclude both the studies used in reference to the theory and the theory as a separate entity. No definite conclusions should be reached .) After looking at both the studies, i.e. Cialdini et. Al (1976) and Tajfel (1970), this theory has been analyzed and its strengths and weaknesses have been judged. This theory has successfully been supported by many studies and therefore there is a lot of concrete evidence behind it. It helps us explain the many social phenomenons such as the formation of social and personal identities simultaneously and it also explains social categorization. The formation of ingroups and outgroups are very pivotal to the society and how it functions. The behavior of human beings however is very complex and cannot be explained within a couple of paragraphs. There are always exceptions and this fact should necessarily be taken into consideration. The theory does have flaws such as the changing definition of social identity and its influence on personal identity that has come up in recent years. The studies have methodological concerns and a high chance of lack of ecological validity. This makes the criticism of the theory valid and that is something that needs to be further investigated. For now, Henri Tajfels social identity theory is one of the most omnipresent and important theories in the world of social psychology.