Introduction to Personality,
Social and Developmental
Psychology
Year Year 1
Course Tag PSY1111
Topic Group Processes
Module Outline
Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology will familiarise
you with the approaches and concepts central to studying behaviour. The module
explores the historical and theoretical concepts of personality and individual differences,
social cognition and social and cognitive development.
Group Processes
Group processes are how individuals interact to create a collective outcome within a
group setting. Group processes can be studied from a psychological perspective, as it is
believed that group dynamics, such as social facilitation, social loafing, and
deindividuation, can have a significant effect on individual behaviour and attitudes.
Group dynamics can be studied in terms of what constitutes a group and how a group
forms and develops. Group size, composition, and the individual's role within the group
all influence the group's behaviour and identity. Groupthink or decision.
Social Facilitation
Social facilitation is the tendency for people to perform better when they are in the
presence of others. It is a phenomenon that has been studied extensively in psychology.
Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology 1
, It is believed to be caused by the presence of an audience, which can either increase or
decrease performance depending on the task. The cognitive processes involved in
group decision-making can also be studied, including the impact of group norms,
conformity, risk-taking, and consensus. It is essential to consider the effects of individual
differences, such as personality, gender, and culture, on group dynamics. Finally, the
consequences of group formation and identification will be explored, such as the
influence of group culture and identity on social behaviour.
Social Loafing
Social loafing is when people reduce their effort when working on a task as part of a
group, compared to working on the same task alone. This is because the individual
perceives their contribution to the group's output as insignificant, so they put in less
effort. There is evidence that social loafing can affect group performance, so it is
essential to consider how to minimise it when working in teams. Strategies such as goal
setting, ensuring individual accountability, and providing feedback may help to reduce
social loafing.
Deindividuation
Deindividuation is the process of losing one's sense of individual identity when in a
group setting. Individuals in a deindividuated state often experience a decrease in their
sense of personal responsibility and an increase in their willingness to engage in risky
and antisocial behaviours. Deindividuation can have both positive and negative
consequences, depending on the context and the task at hand. For example, in a crowd
of protesters, deindividuation can lead to a greater sense of collective unity and
increased willingness to engage in the protest. However, in a group setting, it may lead
to a decrease in productivity and an increase in aggression. Considering how to
minimise the effects of deindividuation when working in a group is essential.
What is a Group?
A group can be defined as a collection of two or more people who share specific
characteristics, such as a common goal or identity. These characteristics define a group
and allow them to form, develop and interact with one another. Group behaviour is
affected by several factors, such as size, composition, norms, and roles. Understanding
these factors is essential to understanding and predicting group behaviour.
Introduction to Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology 2
