Introduction to the syllabus

The sociocultural approach focuses on how individual and group behaviour is influenced by individuals and groups around us. If you remember one thing in this topic, it should be that research in the sociocultural approach is incredibly difficult to generalise: most studies are correlational and the differences in cultures make it difficult, at times, to draw comparisons between social groups, without using an etic approach. 

The psychology syllabus looks at 3 main topics (plus an additional HL topic about globalisation). You can be asked an ERQ on any of the main topics and an SAQ in this approach on any main topic or words listed in italics in the syllabus guide. This is summarised below:

1. The Individual and the Group
   • Social Identity Theory (SIT) - social groups
   • Social Cognitive (learning) Theory
   • Formation of Stereotypes
2. Cultural Origins of Behaviour and Cognition
   • Culture and its Influence on Behaviour and Cognition - cultural groups
   • Cultural Dimensions (for example individualism/collectivism or power/distance
3. Cultural Influences on Individual Behaviour
   
   • Enculturation - norms
   • Acculturation - assimilation

HL Extension: Influence of globalisation on individual behaviour

The Individual and the Group

social identity theory

Social Identity Theory has 4 stages: 

1. Social Categorisation: we categorise ourselves into groups based on similar characteristics. This leads to social identification. 
2. Social Comparison: we compare ourselves to others to justify our group membership
3. Attaching self-esteem: we begin to attach self-esteem to our group membership, leading to positive distinction, in-group bias and out-group homogenity. 

Recommended study: Hilliard and Liben (2010), Tajfel (1971)

social cognitive theory

Social Cognitive Learning Theory is the theory that we, sometimes, learn behaviours by imitating those who we identify with. In order for us to imitate the behaviour, we must: 

• Potential: be (physically/mentally) able to perform the behaviour, ourselves. 
• Attention: pay attention
• Retention: be able to remember the behaviour
• Motivation: a want to replicate the behaviour

(Acronym: PARM)

When thinking about 'motivation', there are factors which influence whether or not we decide to replicate the behaviour:

• Consistency of the behaviour
• Identification with the model
• Liking the model

The behaviour is most likely to occur if the observer has high self-efficacy (belief in ability to successfully complete a task).

Recommended study: Bandura (1961)

formation of stereotypes

Stereotype: a social perception of an individual in terms of group membership or physical attributes. 

Out-group homogeneity: the perception of out-groups as having similar traits

Recommended study: Steele and Aronson, Hilliard and Lieben

Cultural Origins Of Behaviour and Cognition

culture and its influence on behaviour and cognition - cultural groups AND cultural dimensions

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions

1. Power distance index: the extent to which a culture respects authority and status.
2. Individualism vs. collectivism: the degree to which people are integrated into groups. Sometimes referred to as an “I” vs. a “we” orientation.
3. Uncertainty avoidance index: a society’s tolerance for ambiguity.  Tolerance for ambiguity means less strict rules in society and an openness to change.
4. Masculinity vs. femininity: Masculine societies are defined by a focus on achievement, competition, and wealth; feminine societies focus on cooperation, relationships, and quality of life.
5. Long-term vs. short-term orientation: the connection to the past and attitude toward the future.  Short-term orientation means that traditions are kept. Long-term orientation has more of a focus on the future.
6. Indulgence vs. restraint: Indulgent cultures allow people to enjoy life and have fun. Restrained cultures have stricter control through strict social norms. Indulgent cultures tend to believe that they are in control of their lives; restrained cultures are more fatalistic.

You only need to have studied one for the exam. 

Studies about behaviour and individualism/collectivism: Berry (1967) 

Study about cognition and individualism/collectivism: Kearins 

Cultural Influences on Individual Behaviour

enculturation - norms

Enculturation: process of adopting the norms of our own culture

One of the key behaviours that are enculturated are gender roles, which are social roles that encompass a range of behaviours and attitudes deemed appropriate for people based on their gender. 

We can link this to Social Cognitive Theory, as we learn the behaviours of our culture from models with which we identify. The Social Cognitive Theory of Enculturation takes into account the social and cultural context of enculturation, though it cannot explain the variation with which children conform to social norms or nonconformists. There is also a limitation of too many confounding variables and we cannot attribute this phenomenon only to the modelling of behaviour. 

Recommended study: Fagot (1978), Hilliard and Lieben

acculturation - assimilation

Acculturation: the process of adopting the norms of a new culture

Acculturative Stress: tension experienced when we feel we do not belong to the group

Below is Berry's Model of Acculturation. 

You can specifically get asked an SAQ about assimilation, so be aware when choosing a study. 

Recommended Study: Lueck and Wilson (2010)

Influence of Globalisation on Individual Behaviour

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