Psychology Discussion

In a few sentences, please respond to each of the following questions. Up to 10 points can be earned for a completed assignment, with partial credit available for incomplete responses.

• Define what constitutes a group and discuss what factors contribute to circumstances in which we become part of/belong to a group
• Discuss each of the following key components to a group: status; roles; norms; cohesiveness. Which of these components do you think are most essential for an individual to desire a sense of belonging to a group and why? Support your response
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of joining a group. Do you believe that membership costs and restrictions are worth the sacrifices that individuals must make in order to belong to a group? Support your response
• Research suggests that we are significantly affected by the presence of others. Explain the effects of social facilitation, social loafing, and deindividuation. How do each of these impact our sense of individuality and alter our behaviors? Support your response
• Distinguish between cooperation and conflict. Why do you believe that both are likely to arise in group settings? How can we remedy conflict within groups while still maintaining our sense of identity and opinion?
• Researchers have suggested that there may be significant pitfalls when group decisions are made. Discuss the reasons that group polarization and groupthink occur. How can the process of bargaining help in these circumstances, and what other solutions can you think of to bring a state of unity to a group? Support your response