Social Identity Theory: Understanding Self-Concept and Group Membership

Question 1

What is social identity, and what are its two key components?

Accepted Answer

Social identity is the part of our self-concept that comes from belonging to and identifying with social groups. Its two components are self-categorization and social comparison.

Answer

Social identity is how we see ourselves in relation to others.

Answer

Social identity is the sum of our beliefs and values.

Answer

Social identity is how we interact with others in social situations.

Question 2

According to Social Identity Theory, how does belonging to a group affect how we see ourselves and our self-worth?

Accepted Answer

Being in a group and how we categorize ourselves impact each other, both affecting our self-esteem.

Answer

Being in a group boosts self-esteem, which then strengthens how we categorize ourselves.

Answer

We categorize ourselves before joining a group, and this determines our self-esteem.

Question 3

How does Social Identity Theory explain the behavior of fans at a sporting event?

Accepted Answer

Fans feel a sense of belonging and increased self-esteem by identifying with their team.

Answer

Fans are more likely to take risks when their team is losing.

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Fans only support their team when they are winning.

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Fans are more likely to act aggressively towards fans of other teams.

Question 4

Which theory focuses on the mutual exchange of resources and advantages between individuals?

Accepted Answer

Social Exchange Theory

Answer

Social Identity Theory

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Social Cognitive Theory

Answer

Group Dynamics Theory

Question 5

In Social Identity Theory, which strategy is effective in decreasing prejudice?

Accepted Answer

Foster a sense of belonging with the other group

Answer

Highlight the differences between groups

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Promote competition for limited resources between groups

Question 6

In Social Identity Theory, which process involves identifying and grouping people into social categories?

Accepted Answer

Social categorization

Answer

Cognitive evaluation

Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Self-categorization

Question 7

Which of the following is a core concept in Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Our social identity can change depending on the social context we are in.

Answer

Our social identity is shaped primarily by our individual personality traits.

Answer

Our social identity is fixed and unchangeable throughout our lives.

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Our social identity is only influenced by our family and close friends.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a key concept in Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Dissonance

Answer

Social Salience

Answer

Social Comparison Processes

Answer

Social Identity

Question 9

How does social identity influence self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

It is enhanced when individuals perceive their group as positively valued.

Answer

It remains unaffected by group membership.

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It is lowered when individuals compare themselves to members of other groups.

Question 10

Which of the following factors can make a social group more salient?

Accepted Answer

An external threat or crisis

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A highly diverse group membership

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Absence of competition with other groups

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Low levels of group involvement

Question 11

Which of the following is a criticism of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

It overemphasizes the influence of social identity and underestimates the role of individual factors.

Answer

It lacks empirical evidence to support its claims.

Answer

It is overly complex and impractical to apply in real-world settings.

Question 12

How can Social Identity Theory be used to understand intergroup conflict?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that conflict arises when groups perceive themselves as competing for resources or social status.

Answer

It focuses on the positive aspects of intergroup relations and overlooks potential sources of conflict.

Question 13

Which of the following is a practical implication of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Designing interventions to reduce prejudice and promote intergroup harmony

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Promoting individual self-reliance over group membership

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Enforcing strict social hierarchies

Question 14

How does Social Identity Theory explain prejudice?

Accepted Answer

It arises from the need to maintain a positive social identity and differentiate oneself from other groups.

Answer

It is primarily caused by a lack of contact with out-group members.

Question 15

According to Turner's Self-Categorization Theory, when individuals strongly identify with a social group, they are more likely to:

Accepted Answer

Perceive the group as distinct and homogenous compared to other groups.

Answer

Focus on their unique individuality and distance themselves from the group.

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Become less influenced by group norms and expectations.

Question 16

According to Social Identity Theory, our self-concept is primarily shaped by:

Accepted Answer

Our membership in social groups

Answer

Our personal aspirations

Answer

Our biological makeup

Answer

Our accumulated life experiences

Question 17

Which of the following is a crucial factor in the development of social identity?

Accepted Answer

Social comparison

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Economic status

Answer

Personal values

Question 18

The term 'ingroup' refers to a group that:

Accepted Answer

We identify with and feel a sense of belonging towards

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Outsiders perceive us as belonging to

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We have negative attitudes towards

Question 19

A positive social identity can lead to:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced self-esteem

Answer

Increased prejudice

Answer

Lowered motivation

Question 20

Social Identity Theory can be applied to explain:

Accepted Answer

Intergroup conflict and prejudice

Answer

Language acquisition

Answer

Individual decision-making

Question 21

According to Social Identity Theory, individuals tend to:

Accepted Answer

Favor their own ingroup

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Cooperate more with outgroup members

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Perceive outgroup members as more competent

Question 22

Which method has been proposed to reduce intergroup bias?

Accepted Answer

Contact hypothesis

Answer

Cognitive dissonance theory

Answer

Social identity theory

Question 23

One of the criticisms of Social Identity Theory is that it:

Accepted Answer

Does not adequately consider individual differences

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Is too complex to apply in real-world settings

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Does not account for the influence of emotions

Question 24

An important implication of Social Identity Theory for education is:

Accepted Answer

Fostering a positive and inclusive school environment

Answer

Encouraging students to conform to societal norms

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Focusing on individual achievement rather than group work

Question 25

Which of the following is a central tenet of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals define their self-concept in relation to their social group memberships

Answer

Individuals strive to maintain a consistent self-concept across all situations

Answer

Individuals' self-esteem is derived solely from their personal accomplishments

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Individuals' behavior is primarily driven by their personal goals and desires

Question 26

According to Social Identity Theory, what is the primary factor that shapes an individual's sense of self?

Accepted Answer

Social categorization

Answer

Cultural norms

Answer

Biological factors

Answer

Personal experiences

Question 27

What is the term for the tendency to favor one's own group over other groups?

Accepted Answer

Ingroup bias

Answer

Social loafing

Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Outgroup homogeneity bias

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of social identity threat?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced self-esteem

Answer

Increased prejudice

Answer

Aggressive behavior

Answer

Reduced intergroup cooperation

Question 29

How does Social Identity Theory explain prejudice and discrimination?

Accepted Answer

As a result of ingroup favoritism combined with outgroup derogation

Answer

As a product of social inequality

Answer

As a manifestation of individual personality traits

Question 30

Which of the following is a potential strategy for mitigating social identity threat?

Accepted Answer

Recategorization

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Competition

Answer

Conformity

Question 31

How can Social Identity Theory be applied to promote intergroup harmony?

Accepted Answer

By fostering intergroup contact and cooperation

Answer

By restructuring society to eliminate social inequalities

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By focusing on changing individual attitudes and beliefs

Question 32

Who is considered the primary architect of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Henri Tajfel

Answer

Gordon Allport

Answer

Kurt Lewin

Answer

Leon Festinger

Question 33

How does Social Identity Theory differ from Social Comparison Theory?

Accepted Answer

Social Identity Theory emphasizes group membership, while Social Comparison Theory focuses on individual comparisons

Answer

Social Identity Theory is concerned with self-concept, while Social Comparison Theory is concerned with social status

Answer

Social Identity Theory is a macro-level theory, while Social Comparison Theory is a micro-level theory

Question 34

Which fundamental principle of Social Identity Theory states that our self-concept is significantly influenced by our membership in social groups?

Accepted Answer

Self-concept is shaped by group memberships

Answer

Our emotions are primarily a result of personal experiences

Answer

Social norms don't hold much sway over human behavior

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Intelligence is a fixed trait that cannot be developed

Question 35

According to Social Identity Theory, individuals can maintain a positive self-concept by:

Accepted Answer

Associating with groups perceived as high-status

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Rejecting all social norms

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Downplaying their group affiliations

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Focusing on their negative qualities

Question 36

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies in-group favoritism, as per Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Supporting one's own sports team

Answer

Adopting the customs of a foreign culture

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Criticizing a rival political party

Answer

Ignoring differences within one's social circle

Question 37

What is the term for the inclination to view one's group as superior to others?

Accepted Answer

Ethnocentrism

Answer

Stereotyping

Answer

Conformity

Answer

Scapegoating

Question 38

Which of the following elements can influence the strength of an individual's social identity?

Accepted Answer

Salience of group membership

Answer

Age

Answer

Gender

Answer

Level of education

Question 39

Which of the following is a limitation of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't fully explain individual differences

Answer

It lacks empirical support

Answer

It focuses excessively on group dynamics

Question 40

Social comparison refers to the process where individuals:

Accepted Answer

Evaluate their social group in comparison to other groups

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Derogate out-groups

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Exhibit in-group bias

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Categorize themselves into groups

Question 41

Which of the following concepts is central to Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Self-concept

Answer

Social learning

Answer

Social exchange

Answer

Social cognition

Question 42

According to Social Identity Theory, how does group membership contribute to self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

It provides a favorable social comparison, reducing uncertainties.

Answer

It has no effect on self-esteem.

Answer

It creates negative social comparisons, fostering anxiety.

Question 43

Which of the following is a fundamental prediction of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

In-group favoritism

Answer

Increased interpersonal trust

Answer

Out-group prejudice

Question 44

In Social Identity Theory, social categorization primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Establish distinctions between ingroups and outgroups, defining their boundaries.

Answer

Diminish prejudice and discrimination.

Answer

Promote intergroup harmony.

Question 45

Which of the following factors influence the strength of an individual's social identity?

Accepted Answer

Group distinctiveness, group relevance, and group salience

Answer

Culture, ethnicity, and language

Answer

Age, socioeconomic status, and gender

Question 46

Self-categorization, as described in Social Identity Theory, refers to:

Accepted Answer

The process of classifying oneself into social groups based on shared attributes.

Answer

Categorizing others based on individual characteristics.

Answer

Categorizing oneself based on social status and influence.

Question 47

How does Social Identity Theory contribute to the understanding of intergroup relations?

Accepted Answer

It highlights how social categorization and social identity contribute to the formation and maintenance of group boundaries.

Answer

It provides clear strategies for reducing prejudice and discrimination.

Answer

It offers a framework for enhancing intergroup cooperation.

Question 48

Who are the primary researchers credited with developing Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Henri Tajfel and John Turner

Answer

Gordon Allport and Muzafer Sherif

Answer

Kurt Lewin and Fritz Heider

Answer

Leon Festinger and Stanley Milgram

Question 49

According to Social Identity Theory, social loafing is more likely to occur when:

Accepted Answer

Individuals feel less accountable and responsible due to the presence of others.

Answer

Individuals fear negative evaluation from others.

Question 50

A group of friends at a football match all wear the same team's jersey. Which concept of Social Identity Theory best describes their behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social Identification

Answer

In-group Bias

Answer

Social Comparison

Answer

Out-group Homogeneity

Question 51

You are a member of a student club and feel proud to be a part of it. This feeling exemplifies which aspect of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Positive Social Identity

Answer

Social Mobility

Answer

Negative Social Identity

Answer

Social Competition

Question 52

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of strong social identity?

Accepted Answer

Increased individualistic behavior

Answer

Increased social conformity

Answer

Out-group discrimination

Answer

In-group favoritism

Question 53

Two rival football teams compete fiercely in a championship. This scenario illustrates which aspect of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Social Competition

Answer

Social Influence

Answer

Social Mobility

Answer

Social Categorization

Question 54

A student feels a strong sense of belonging to their school's drama club. They are highly engaged in club activities and often represent the club in competitions. This student is likely experiencing a high degree of...

Accepted Answer

Social Identity Salience

Answer

Social Identity Threat

Answer

Social Identity Fluidity

Answer

Social Identity Diffusion

Question 55

A person decides to leave their current job and pursue a career in a different field where they believe they'll have a stronger sense of belonging. This decision reflects which strategy for managing social identity?

Accepted Answer

Social Mobility

Answer

Social Competition

Answer

Social Identity Enhancement

Answer

Social Change

Question 56

A group of students from different backgrounds form a new club focused on environmental activism, emphasizing their shared commitment to sustainability and working collaboratively to achieve their goals. This scenario demonstrates the potential of social identity to...

Accepted Answer

Promote social change and cooperation

Answer

Limit individual creativity and innovation

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Strengthen intergroup conflict

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Increase prejudice and discrimination

Question 57

Which of the following is a key assumption of Social Identity Theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals strive to maintain a positive social identity

Answer

Individual behavior is primarily determined by personal traits

Answer

Social groups are inherently hierarchical

Question 58

A company implements a new diversity and inclusion initiative to foster a sense of belonging among its employees from different backgrounds. This initiative aims to address which potential consequence of strong social identity?

Accepted Answer

Out-group discrimination

Answer

Limited social mobility

Answer

Increased social conformity

Answer

Reduced individual creativity

Question 59

A group of students from a particular ethnic background are often stereotyped and discriminated against in their school. This experience is likely to lead to...

Accepted Answer

Social Identity Threat

Answer

Social Identity Convergence

Answer

Social Identity Enhancement

Answer

Social Identity Diffusion