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Paper 1 SAQ – cultural groups
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A full SAQ on cultural groups that I wrote for IB psych (scored a 7),
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Outline/Describe/Explain cultural groups.Describe one study into cultural groups.
Cultures are dynamic sets of implicit & explicit values and norms that are transmitted across
generations of a certain group of people. Cultural groups are collectives which are characterized
by different norms and conventions. Norms are sets of rules based on socially and culturally
shared beliefs of how individuals should behave. Norms regulate behavior within a group – if
people deviate or break from these norms, they may be punished, marginalized, or seen as
creative depending on the culture. In humans, the need to belong plays a strong role in the
desire to conform to group norms. Members can acquire the norms of their cultural group
through observational learning. Observational learning is the learning through observing models
and imitating their behavior, thus noticing the consequences it has on them and their
environments. Components of observational learning include:
1. Attention (influenced by how much the learner identifies with the model)
2. Retention (learner likely to retain and imitate the action if behavior is consistent)
3. Reproduction (self efficacy influences whether the learner will imitate the behavior of a
model in relation to fear of failure)
4. Motivation (outcome expectancies of imitating the behavior)
Learning, with the above components, can occur through a dynamic and reciprocal interaction
of the person, environment, and behavior – also known as the social cognitive theory.
Odden and Rochat is a correlational experiment that investigated the role of observational
learning in the acquisition of cultural norms. Samoans were used because they are known to
have a non-interventionist approach towards raising their children, hence likely that they learn
through observation. 28 children from a Samoan village were observed for 25 months in
different contexts, in order to measure internalized social norms. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted with adults and children to look at the behavior of line fishing and conceptual
understanding of rank and hierarchy. Results showed that children would merely watch adults
fishing, but by age 12 would be skilled fishers. Societal hierarchy/cultural rituals were also never
taught, but children had a good understanding of the hierarchy system.
This study shows how members, via observational learning, acquire norms of their cultural
group: Attention and reproduction was seen where children who paid attention to the behaviors
of adults were able to imitate their behaviors, as shown by their acquisition of fishing skills.
Retention was also seen through the children’s understanding of the concepts and the rituals of
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