Cooperation & Competition in Group Dynamics (DP IB Psychology)
Revision Note
Realistic Conflict Theory
Group Dynamics is a term which refers to the ways in which a group operates:
the (written or unwritten) rules which govern/influence how the group functions
the roles of the group members and the ways in which the group communicates and interacts
the ways in which the group relates to other groups e.g. do they have a hostile, welcoming, competitive, wary attitude towards others?
Realistic Conflict Theory (RCT) was suggested by Sherif (1966) based on a series of (controversial) experiments he conducted
RCT is strongly linked to ingroups and outgroups (see the sociocultural topic of social identity theory) as it hinges on:
the idea that if resources are scarce (e.g. one clean water source) then each group will compete to achieve that goal = realistic intergroup conflict
the idea that if both groups share a superordinate goal (e.g. to find a clean water source) then they are likely to work together (known as interdependence) = cooperation
One of the results of intergroup conflict is prejudice which will be covered in the next revision note
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to any behaviour that comes from an internal source and which has a specific, non-reward-based goal, for example:
Jayne and Chris want to improve their ice dancing for the sheer sense of achievement that it gives them
Mahatma wants to spread peace and love amongst people as he feels that this will mean that he has done his duty to humankind
Sigmund wants to improve his grade in IB Psychology just to prove to himself that he can
The inherent satisfaction that comes from achieving a goal is enough for people who are intrinsically motivated:
They see activities, tasks or projects as an opportunity to learn, to explore, to enjoy the process
Intrinsic motivation can be applied to group dynamics in terms of:
The desire to cooperate with others as this will bring the best reward for all concerned
The rewards of cooperation do not necessarily have to be material:
The rewards can be in the form of better relationships
The rewards can be in the form of increased self-esteem
The rewards can be in the form of a more efficiently-run system or a society in which it is more pleasant to live
Extrinsic motivation (he opposite to intrinsic motivation) refers to any behaviour that comes from an external source and which has a specific, reward-based goal, for example:
Jayne and Chris want to improve their ice dancing so that they can win gold at the Olympics
Mahatma wants to spread peace and love amongst people as he wants to be seen as a great spiritual leader
Sigmund wants to improve his grade in IB Psychology so that he can get into a top university
Research which investigates the role of cooperation & competition in group dynamics
Sherif et al. (1961): the ‘Robber’s Cave’ study and RCT
Tauer & Harackiewicz (2004): intrinsic motivation and sport
Sherif et al. (1961) and Tauer & Harackiewicz (2004) are available as ‘Two Key Studies of The Role of Cooperation & Competition in Group Dynamics’ – just navigate the Group Dynamics section to find them.
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