Discuss social identity theory.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of social identity theory.

Responses should present, with reference to relevant studies, the key concepts of the social identity theory such as:
• social categorization (ingroup/outgroup)
• social identification
• social comparison
• positive distinctiveness.

Studies related to social identity theory may include but are not limited to:
• Tajfel’s studies on social groups and identities
• Sherif et al.’s Robbers Cave study (1961)
• Cialdini et al.’s Basking in Reflected Glory study (1976)
• Abrams’s study of the role of social identity on levels of conformity (1990)
• Maass’s study of the role of social identity on violence (2003).

Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
• the effectiveness of the theory in explaining social identity and inter-group behaviour
• the productivity of the theory in generating psychological research
• methodological, cultural and gender considerations
• contrary findings or explanations
• applications of the theory.