Social Roles In Group Research

This assignment discusses the role group membership plays, with an introduction to the components of a group. It emphasises the self, the group and interaction as the different variables in group membership. Subsequently, the role of group membership is discussed; first, in research by Asch (1956), with its effect on the self; second, in research by Sherif (1935), with its effect on the group and formation of social norms; lastly, in research by Zimbardo, Maslach & Haney (2000), with its effect on interaction and formation of social roles. The research provides the basis of the argument, to demonstrate the diverse role group membership plays, through its affect on components, by the means of social processes, with varying degrees of effect …show more content…
The method involves a visual illusion and records estimate movements of light made by individuals, first on their own, then in the presence of others. One participant’s task is to exaggerate the measurement in the group. The results show their responses converge over time to an agreed measurement (Forsyth, 2014, p. 170). Consequently, they start to internalise (Forsyth, 2014, p. 168) and accept the new measurement, though it is completely different from their initial beliefs. Crucially, the new belief persists as a norm—a socially accepted fact (Cialdini & Trost, 1998, p. 151)—even when new members replace individuals in the group. Subsequently, the research shows the role of membership establishes and maintains norms, aligning individual actions. Moreover, the group itself is a process of informational influence (Forsyth, 2014, p. 222), involves a social tuning aspect (Forsyth, 2014, p, 169), where individuals conform to information from others. This affects the group component, to create a permanent group structure. The membership’s degree of conformity, though subtle, has the power to change or instill new …show more content…
It builds on the self, the group, and considers the role of membership on interaction. The method involves a false prison, and assigns participants to the role of prisoner or prison guard. Within a few days, role-playing has a detrimental effect on the actions and emotions of both groups, leading to conflict, and the experiment is stopped. To focus solely on the prison guards, group membership creates a social identity (Tajfel, 1982). Through interpersonal processes, they categorise perceived stereotypical traits of prison guards; they establish a collective role of expected behaviour towards the prisoners (Snyder & Stukas, 1999). Subsequently, interaction allows the prison guards to script their behaviour and exert dominance (Zimbardo et al., p. 6). This develops their role and empowers their social identity. Crucially, the participants in interview believe their own behaviour has no resemblance to their own beliefs. Consequently, the research shows the role of membership creates a strong social identity. Subsequently, it involves deindividuation (Zimbardo, 1969; as cited in Forsyth, 2014, p. 592), where individuals of the group lose their own identity through role enactment as a prison guard. Consequently, interaction is affected by the power of the social identity. The membership’s degree of conformity is powerful: To influence members to conform to