Deck 5: Group Processes and Structure

Question 1

Social identity theorists argue that groups:

A)change in structure over time
B)emerge in response to competition
C)exist in people's minds
D)have many different forms
E)shape their members' behaviors

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Suppose that you wanted to explain why fans at sporting events degrade supporters of the opposing team. Which theoretical perspective is most relevant to this topic?

A)expectations states theory
B)relational theory
C)social exchange theory
D)social identity theory
E)status characteristics theory

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Who studies the self-fulfilling nature of task-group dynamics?

A)behaviorist theorists
B)personality theorists
C)social exchange theorists
D)social identity theorists
E)status characteristics theorists

Answer 3

E

Question 4

Who studies trust in relationships?

A)behaviorist theorists
B)expectations states theorists
C)social exchange theorists
D)social identity theorists
E)status characteristics theorists

Question 5

Who studies the process of self-categorization and the resultant tendency among individuals toward in-group favoritism?

A)behaviorist theorists
B)expectations states theorists
C)social exchange theorists
D)social identity theorists
E)status characteristics theorists

Question 6

Your Individual and Society class is a(n):

A)primary group
B)secondary group
C)interpersonal group
D)reference group
E)social network

Question 7

What kind of social exchange occurs among family members, friends, and romantic partners?

A)generalized exchange
B)indirect exchange
C)negotiated exchange
D)partial exchange
E)reciprocal exchange

Question 8

According to social identity theorists, stereotypes, negative attitudes, and discrimination result from:

A)conflict between groups and society
B)intergroup conflict
C)macro-level social inequalities and status beliefs
D)social exchange processes
E)the cognitive process of self-categorization

Question 9

Diffuse status characteristics (e.g. gender, race/ethnicity, or social class):

A)apply only to tasks that are explicitly relevant to the characteristic in question
B)are not of interest to researchers working within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology because they are macro" rather than micro" in origin
C)are initially important in shaping group dynamics" but their effect on group members' perceptions and behaviors decreases significantly over time
D)only influence the perceptions of individuals with traditional beliefs
E)shape expectations across social settings

Question 10

As discussed in Chapter 5, Dovidio and associates (1988) found that men had the status advantage in groups when the task at hand was:

A)designed to include both masculine and feminine components (building and decorating a house)
B)gender neutral (gardening)
C)stereotypically feminine (sewing)
D)stereotypically masculine (changing oil)
E)both b and d

Question 11

Status characteristics theory focuses on:

A)distinguishing between the biological and social determinants of group differences in ability and behavior
B)how macro-level social inequalities based on characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, and social class are reproduced in task groups
C)how people come to define themselves in terms of the statuses they occupy and the roles they play within task-oriented groups
D)identifying people who are immune to the effects of their statuses for the purpose of determining how best to create a similar mind-set in others
E)identifying attributes and abilities that are similar and those that vary among members of particular social categories

Question 12

Expectation states theorists define status structures as:

A)beliefs within society about the relative abilities of different groups which can be ranked from low to high
B)external ratings of group members provided by a person or institution perceived as a legitimate authority
C)established relations among group members in which one or more individuals has power of others
D)subjective rankings of group members based upon their perceived likelihood of moving the group toward the successful completion of its goals
E)the dominance hierarchy that naturally forms among individuals once they get to know one another

Question 13

Why is much of the research with the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology experimental in design?

A)Collaboration between GPS researchers and biologists who favor experiments is common.
B)GPS research does not address structural issues.
C)How structured settings (e.g. the lab) influence people's perceptions and behaviors is the key research question of interest to social psychologists working in the GPS orientation.
D)Many of the independent variables of interest to GPS researchers are under their control and can be manipulated.
E)Most social psychologists who work within the group processes and structures orientation have a background in psychological social psychology.

Question 14

Why is much of the research with the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology experimental in design?

A)Collaboration between GPS researchers and biologists who favor experiments is common.
B)GPS research does not address structural issues.
C)How structured settings (e.g. the lab) influence people's perceptions and behaviors is the key research question of interest to social psychologists working in the GPS orientation.
D)Many of the independent variables of interest to GPS researchers are under their control and can be manipulated.
E)Most social psychologists who work within the group processes and structures orientation have a background in psychological social psychology.

Question 15

Specific status characteristics are:

A)attributes or abilities that are only relevant in certain situations (e.g. math ability)
B)attributes or abilities that are so rare that they that make people stand out in group settings
C)cognitive or physical attributes that people are able to hide from others with whom they are interacting
D)identities presented to other group members only in settings in which they yield positive evaluations
E)both c and d

Question 16

Suppose that you wanted to study college students' dating relationships. Which theoretical perspective is most relevant to this topic?

A)expectations states theory
B)relational theory
C)social exchange theory
D)social identity theory
E)status characteristics theory

Question 17

Suppose that you wanted to study how gender influences interactions within study groups. Which theoretical perspective is most relevant to this topic?

A)expectations states theory
B)relational theory
C)social exchange theory
D)social identity theory
E)status characteristics theory

Question 18

According to social identity theorists" in-group/out-group divisions occur as the result of:

A)a cognitive self-categorization process
B)economic competition
C)individuals' need to belong to something bigger than themselves
D)prolonged interaction between individuals with different characteristics
E)the unequal distribution of resources within the larger society

Question 19

According to social identity theorists" stereotypes" negative attitudes" and discrimination result from:

A)conflict between groups and society
B)intergroup conflict
C)macro-level social inequalities and status beliefs
D)social exchange processes
E)the cognitive process of self-categorization

Question 20

According to social identity theorists" social identities are formed:

A)when individuals seek recognition for their positive attributes
B)when status beliefs become salient
C)when people self-categorize and distinguish between "us" and "them"
D)when tasks require abilities or skills not possessed by everyone
E)when the costs of unstructured interaction exceeds its benefits

Question 21

Why do even minimal differences between individuals (e.g." differences in the ability to correctly estimate the number of dots on a computer screen) result in self-categorization and the formation of social identities?

A)Making in-group/out-group distinctions allows for the survival of the species.
B)People have a need to see themselves in a favorable manner in relation to others.
C)Self-categorization enables people to focus on those aspects of the environment meaningful to the interaction at hand.
D)Self-categorization enhances exchange outcomes" since groups are better able than individuals to secure valued rewards.
E)both b and c

Question 22

Minimal groups are:

A)based on status characteristics that influence how people are perceived and treated across social settings
B)created in the laboratory when a trivial distinction between individuals is made salient
C)groups assigned by researchers that require little investment on the part of their members
D)the groups individuals are born into
E)the family and society

Question 23

Jane Elliott's eye color exercise" discussed in Chapter 5" shows that:

A)any characteristic can serve as the basis for self-categorization and the formation of social identities
B)children are especially loyal to the groups to which they belong
C)macro-level social inequalities create inequalities within groups and subsequent negative identities
D)social identities constructed in childhood have lasting effects
E)social identities must be reinforced by others in order for them to persist

Question 24

Most research on social identity theory is:

A)experimental
B)longitudinal
C)observational
D)qualitative
E)survey based

Question 25

Hopkins and Moore found that residents of a Scottish town had more positive attitudes toward residents of a nearby English town after they compared:

A)British individuals to Germans
B)Scottish individuals to the English
C)Scottish individuals to Germans
D)Germans and the English
E)all of the above

Question 26

Hopkins and Moore's field experiment focusing on residents of a Scottish town's perceptions of their English neighbors shows that social identities can be:

A)combined
B)constructed through face-to-face interaction
C)eliminated through intergroup collaboration
D)obliterated and recreated
E)primed

Question 27

Greene's survey analysis within the social identity tradition suggests that identifying with a political party (categorizing oneself as a Republican or as a Democrat) increases positive attitudes toward that party and individuals' likelihoods of engaging in partisan political behaviors (e.g." campaigning for the party) What's interesting about Greene's findings is that having a partisan political identity affected party attitudes and partisan political behaviors:

A)across the age spectrum
B)among individuals who had party affiliations of the same strength and similar political ideologies
C)by increasing the frequency with which individuals sought out the company of others with similar political views
D)even among survey respondents who were themselves politicians
E)for years after the initial study was conducted

Question 28

The three theoretical frameworks within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology are expectations states theory" which includes status characteristic theory; social identity theory; and:

A)dramaturgical theory
B)functionalist theory
C)reference group theory
D)social exchange theory
E)social learning theory

Question 29

One strength of research within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology is that it focuses on:

A)generalizability
B)intervention
C)multiculturalism
D)sampling
E)within-group variability

Question 30

Like research in social structure and personality" research with the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology has been criticized for:

A)being interdisciplinary
B)being primarily survey based
C)focusing primarily on structure and overlooking agency
D)focusing on the social construction of meaning rather than on the effects of society on individuals
E)its qualitative in orientation

Question 31

As discussed in Chapter 5" the _______________________ of most studies in the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology is both a strength and weakness of research within this orientation.

A)global applicability
B)experimental nature
C)longitudinal design
D)micro focus
E)political undertone

Question 32

Status beliefs are:

A)beliefs that vary across social categories such as gender, race/ethnicity, and social class
B)constructed through face-to-face interaction in task groups
C)the hierarchical component of cultural stereotypes
D)societal beliefs about the relative abilities of different groups
E)both c and d

Question 33

When doesn't gender influence task-group members' perceptions and behaviors?

A)when group members are under the age of 10
B)when group members are all the same gender
C)when group members are avowed feminists
D)when only the group's performance and not the performance of its individuals members will be evaluated
E)when the group's task is not related to gender

Question 34

Discuss the two sources of power in power-dependence relations. Apply this model to one of your relationships (e.g." a dating relationship" a friendship" or a relationship with a boss or coworker) Who has more power" you or your relationship partner? Why is this the case?

Question 35

Distinguish between negotiated and reciprocal exchanges. Give two examples of each type of exchange relationship.

Question 36

What is network expansion? Discuss how this process can be used to increase an actor's power in a negotiated exchange.

Question 37

How do social exchange theorists define trust? When is trust likely to have negative consequences?

Question 38

Summarize the results of Sprecher's study on inequity in college students' dating relationships. In doing so" please distinguish between underbenefiting and overbenefiting inequity. Apply Sprecher's findings to your romantic relationship or the romantic relationship of someone you know (e.g." a friend" your parents" or another relative) Does this relationship fit the pattern observed by Sprecher?

Question 39

Discuss the central tenets of social exchange theory. Apply the concept of equity to college students' dating relationships (from the article by Sprecher discussed in the text) How has social exchange theory been used to address more macro concerns?

Question 40

What are social identities and how are they formed? Why does self-categorization occur so readily across social settings? What functions does it serve?

Question 41

Use Jane Elliott's eye color exercise to illustrate the effects of social context on the self-categorization process.

Question 42

What is priming? Discuss how Hopkins and Moore primed national identities among their Scottish subjects and the effect of this experimental manipulation their perceptions of their English neighbors.

Question 43

How do political identities affect people's perceptions and behaviors (from the study by Greene" discussed in Chapter 5)? Is this surprising? Why or why not?

Question 44

Researchers in the GPS tradition often offer strategies for changing people's perceptions and behaviors. Discuss how inequality in task groups can be reduced" how an actor's power within a negotiated exchange can be increased" and how in-group favoritism can be minimized. When discussing each issue" indicate which theoretical framework generated the research being summarized.

Question 45

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of research in the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology.

Question 46

Compare or contrast research on group processes and structures and research within the symbolic interactionist face of sociological social psychology. Discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of each body of literature.

Question 47

Compare and contrast research within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology and research in social structure and personality. Discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of each body of literature.

Question 48

What can be done to reduce inequality in tasks groups? Do these kinds of interventions have the potential to reduce social inequality at the macro level? Why or why not?

Question 49

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy? How have status characteristics theorists applied this concept to small group dynamics? Please discuss the following concepts when responding to this question: status characteristics" status beliefs" and status generalization.

Question 50

Pugh and Wahrman whose experiment within the status characteristics tradition was discussed Chapters 1 and 5 found that the effect of gender on social influence (male > female) can be eliminated by:

A)showing subjects that women outperform men on a task similar to the experimental task
B)showing subjects that women and men have equal task abilities
C)telling subjects that women are more competent than men
D)telling subjects that women outperform men on a task similar to the experimental manipulation
E)all of the above

Question 51

In a negatively connected exchange network exchange in one relation:

A)causes an imbalance of power within the network
B)increases the frequency of exchange in other relations but reduces the overall value of the rewards received
C)reduces exchange in other relations
D)reduces the value of the rewards exchanged in other relations
E)results in a self-fulfilling prophecy

Question 52

In a negatively connected exchange network exchange in one relation:

A)causes an imbalance of power within the network
B)increases the frequency of exchange in other relations but reduces the overall value of the rewards received
C)reduces exchange in other relations
D)reduces the value of the rewards exchanged in other relations
E)results in a self-fulfilling prophecy

Question 53

What kind of social exchange occurs among family members, friends, and romantic partners?

A)generalized exchange
B)indirect exchange
C)negotiated exchange
D)partial exchange
E)reciprocal exchange

Question 54

When there is a balance between costs and benefits in an exchange relationship the relationship is considered:

A)equitable
B)level
C)positive
D)reciprocal
E)shared

Question 55

Whereas much of the research on reciprocal exchange is survey based research on negotiated exchange is typically ________________.

A)based on in-depth interviews
B)experimental
C)non-empirical
D)observational
E)qualitative

Question 56

According to the principle of least interest:

A)the less attention you give someone the more they will like you
B)rewards diminish in value over time unless they are cyclically withdrawn and reinstated
C)seeing someone frequently is likely to reduce the perceived value of the rewards they have to offer
D)the person with the greater ability to reward an exchange partner has the least to lose should the relationship end
E)both a and c

Question 57

According to social identity theorists stereotypes, negative attitudes, and discrimination result from:

A)conflict between groups and society
B)intergroup conflict
C)macro-level social inequalities and status beliefs
D)social exchange processes
E)the cognitive process of self-categorization

Question 58

According to social identity theorists, social identities are formed:

A)when individuals seek recognition for their positive attributes
B)when status beliefs become salient
C)when people self-categorize and distinguish between "us" and "them"
D)when tasks require abilities or skills not possessed by everyone
E)when the costs of unstructured interaction exceeds its benefits

Question 59

Jane Elliott's eye color exercise discussed in Chapter 5 shows that:

A)any characteristic can serve as the basis for self-categorization and the formation of social identities
B)children are especially loyal to the groups to which they belong
C)macro-level social inequalities create inequalities within groups and subsequent negative identities
D)social identities constructed in childhood have lasting effects
E)social identities must be reinforced by others in order for them to persist

Question 60

The three theoretical frameworks within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology are expectations states theory (which includes status characteristic theory), social identity theory, and:

A)dramaturgical theory
B)functionalist theory
C)reference group theory
D)social exchange theory
E)social learning theory

Question 61

Define the terms "group" and "social network."

Question 62

Why is much of the research in the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology experimental? Compare research in GSP to research in SI and in SSP.

Question 63

Describe the three theoretical frameworks within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology. Illustrate the focus of each theoretical framework in GPS by reviewing the design and results of at least one of the studies discussed in Chapter 5 (review at least one study per theoretical framework) In your opinion" which theoretical framework yields the most insightful or useful research? Explain.

Question 64

You have now studied a number of theories and/or theoretical perspectives. Which do you think would be most helpful for the type of issue you find interesting? Why? BE SURE to explain the theory or perspective you choose and tell what issue you find interesting.

Question 65

College students recognize "loose associations" (e.g." people at a bus stop or people in line at a bank) as a particular type of group experience.

Question 66

Which of the following groups is not a primary group?

A)a friendship group
B)a gang
C)participants in a study group
D)roommates who like each other and regularly hang out
E)the family

Question 67

Your social psychology class is a(n):

A)primary group
B)secondary group
C)interpersonal group
D)reference group
E)social network

Question 68

Task groups" like those studied by status characteristics theorists" are:

A)primary groups
B)secondary groups
C)interpersonal groups
D)reference groups
E)social networks

Question 69

Small groups are characterized by propinquity" perceived similarity" and:

A)a common prospectus
B)a shared fate
C)defined task goals
D)liking
E)longevity

Question 70

As defined by researchers working within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology" social networks differ from groups. Unlike members of a group" actors in a social network:

A)are routinely replaced by new members with similar skills or abilities
B)can be rank ordered in terms of their abilities
C)occupy different positions within a larger structure
D)share a common fate or set of goals
E)vary in their social characteristics

Question 71

Which face of social psychology includes research referred to as experimental sociology?

A)dramaturgical
B)group processes and structures
C)psychological
D)social structure and personality
E)symbolic interactionist

Question 72

Why is much of the research with the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology experimental in design?

A)Collaboration between GPS researchers and biologists" who favor experiments" is common.
B)GPS research does not address structural issues.
C)How structured settings (e.g." the lab) influence people's perceptions and behaviors is the key research question of interest to social psychologists working in the GPS orientation.
D)Many of the independent variables of interest to GPS researchers are under their control and can be manipulated.
E)Most social psychologists who work within the group processes and structures orientation have a background in psychological social psychology.

Question 73

Research in the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology focuses on:

A)how group members define situations and construct shared meanings
B)how individuals make sense of group dynamics and the interactions that occur in small group settings
C)how macro-level social inequalities are reproduced in small group encounters
D)identifying the social experiences and relationships that result in group differences in perception and behavior
E)the way that people present themselves to others and convey positive impressions in small group settings

Question 74

Expectation states theorists define status structures as:

A)beliefs within society about the relative abilities of different groups" which can be ranked from low to high
B)external ratings of group members provided by a person or institution perceived as a legitimate authority
C)established relations among group members in which one or more individuals has power of others
D)subjective rankings of group members based upon their perceived likelihood of moving the group toward the successful completion of its goals
E)the dominance hierarchy that naturally forms among individuals once they get to know one another

Question 75

Expectation states theorists define performance expectations as:

A)assessments of one's own and other individuals' likely contributions to the completion of the group's assigned tasks
B)global estimates of each group member's positive and negative attributes
C)perceptions based on how well people expect to do on a task given their perceived abilities and prior experiences
D)situational definitions that emerge within groups as people seek to convey positive impressions to others
E)societal beliefs about the relative abilities of individuals in different social categories

Question 76

Which of the following theoretical frameworks within the group processes and structures face of sociological social psychology includes status characteristics theory?

A)expectations states theory
B)role theory
C)social exchange theory
D)social identity theory
E)the dramaturgical perspective

Question 77

Status characteristics theory focuses on:

A)distinguishing between the biological and social determinants of group differences in ability and behavior
B)how macro-level social inequalities based on characteristics such as gender" race/ethnicity" and social class are reproduced in task groups
C)how people come to define themselves in terms of the statuses they occupy and the roles they play within task-oriented groups
D)identifying people who are immune to the effects of their statuses for the purpose of determining how best to create a similar mind-set in others
E)identifying attributes and abilities that are similar" and those that vary" among members of particular social categories

Question 78

Most research on status characteristics theory is:

A)experimental
B)historical
C)qualitative in orientation
D)observational
E)survey based

Question 79

Specific status characteristics are:

A)attributes or abilities that are only relevant in certain situations (e.g." math ability)
B)attributes or abilities that are so rare that they that make people stand out in group settings
C)cognitive or physical attributes that people are able to hide from others with whom they are interacting
D)identities presented to other group members only in settings in which they yield positive evaluations
E)both c and d

Question 80

Given their disadvantaged status, racial/ethnic minorities often respond to the self-categorization process in different ways than Whites.