Collective Behaviour - GCSE Psychology Definition

Collective behaviour refers to the actions and reactions of a group of people who gather together, often spontaneously, to achieve a common goal or respond to an event, stimulus, or social issue. This type of behaviour differs from everyday actions because it typically occurs in situations where traditional social norms are unclear or disrupted. Examples include crowds at a sporting event, participants in a protest, or communities responding to a natural disaster. Collective behaviour can result in positive outcomes, such as community support, or negative ones, such as panic or riots. Understanding this concept helps GCSE Psychology students explore how group dynamics influence individual behaviour and decision-making in various social contexts.