Question 1

In an experiment by Henri Tajfel, participants were shown six lines that varied in length. In the condition in which the lines were categorized into two groups,

Accepted Answer

Henri Tajfel's experiments on social categorization demonstrated that people tend to exaggerate the differences between categories, even with arbitrary distinctions. In the context of lines categorized into two groups, participants perceived the lines as longer or shorter based on the category, highlighting the influence of categorization on perception.

Question 2

When an eyewitness to a crime attempts to identify a person who is a member of a different social category than he or she is, more errors in identification are likely to be made. This is probably the result of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Out-group homogeneity effect explains the tendency to perceive members of an out-group as more similar to each other than members of an in-group, leading to higher error rates in cross-racial or cross-social category identifications.

Question 3

In-group homogeneity is likely to be observed in which of the following cases?

Accepted Answer

In-group homogeneity is often observed when the in-group has high social identity, as members perceive themselves as more similar to each other to strengthen group cohesion and identity.

Question 4

Which of the following processes are likely to lead people to maintain their stereotypes?

Accepted Answer

People tend to engage in confirmation bias, where they seek out and remember information that confirms their existing stereotypes, thus maintaining them.

Question 5

Harold believes that all Italians are warm and friendly. One day he meets Lydia, who is Italian. Harold begins talking to Lydia in a very warm and friendly manner. Lydia responds by acting in a warm and friendly way toward Harold. Which of the following has just occurred?

Accepted Answer

Harold's belief about Italians being warm and friendly led him to act in a manner that elicited a warm and friendly response from Lydia, an Italian. This is an example of a self-fulfilling prophecy, where Harold's expectations influenced his behavior in a way that brought about the expected behavior in Lydia.

Question 6

When people are divided into social groups, even if those groups are not very important or meaningful,

Accepted Answer

They will favor members of the in-group. This phenomenon is known as in-group favoritism, where individuals tend to give preferential treatment and have more positive attitudes towards members of their own group, even in cases where the group distinctions are arbitrary or of minimal importance.

Question 7

Which of the following describes the minimal intergroup effect?

Accepted Answer

The minimal intergroup effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals show favoritism towards their own group (in-group) over others (out-group), even when the group distinctions are arbitrary or of minimal significance. This demonstrates how easily and quickly in-group biases can form, even in situations where the groups have no real or meaningful differences.

Question 8

In-group favoritism has been shown to be greater when the groups are in competition with each other. This is probably because

Accepted Answer

Competition tends to heighten individuals' identification with their own group, as they contrast their group's qualities and achievements against those of rival groups. This increased identification strengthens in-group favoritism, as individuals become more invested in their group's success and more biased in favor of their group members.

Question 9

Explain the concepts of social categorization and of individuation. When does each occur, and what are the benefits of each? Mention examples of research that show the occurrence of individuation and social categorization in your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concepts of social categorization and...

Question 10

Which social categories are most likely to be used in everyday perception? What determines when and for which people social categorization occurs?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which social categories are most likely to...

Question 11

What are stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, and how do they relate to social categorization?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination, and...

Question 12

What research evidence has been used to assess individuals' cognitive representations of social groups?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What research evidence has been used to...

Question 13

What is self-categorization? Why does it occur, and what are its outcomes? What self-categories are most important to you?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is self-categorization? Why does it occur,...

Question 14

What is outgroup homogeneity, and why does it occur? Under what circumstances are in-groups seen as homogenous?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is outgroup homogeneity, and why does...

Question 15

What factors make stereotypes and prejudices so difficult to change?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors make stereotypes and prejudices so...

Question 16

Describe the minimal intergroup effect, and give an example of how it has been demonstrated in research. Indicate some reasons that it might occur.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the minimal intergroup effect, and give...

Quiz 5: Social Categorization