Sociocultural LOA

Learning outcomes

General learning outcomes

• Outline principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis (for example, the social and cultural environment influences individual behaviour; we want connectedness with, and a sense of belonging to, others; we construct our conceptions of the individual and social self).
• Explain how principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis may be demonstrated in research (that is, theories and/or studies).
• Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the sociocultural level of analysis (for example, participant/naturalistic observation, interviews, case studies).
• Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the sociocultural level of analysis.

Sociocultural cognition

• Describe the role of situational and dispositional factors in explaining behaviour.
• Discuss two errors in attributions (for example, fundamental attribution error, illusory correlation, self‑serving bias).
• Evaluate social identity theory, making reference to relevant studies.
• Explain the formation of stereotypes and their effect on behaviour.

Social norms

• Explain social learning theory, making reference to two relevant studies.
• Discuss the use of compliance techniques (for example, lowballing, foot‑in‑the‑door, reciprocity).
• Evaluate research on conformity to group norms.
• Discuss factors influencing conformity (for example, culture, groupthink, risky shift, minority influence).

Cultural norms

• Define the terms “culture” and “cultural norms”.
• Examine the role of two cultural dimensions on behaviour (for example, individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, Confucian dynamism, masculinity/femininity).
• Using one or more examples, explain “emic” and “etic” concepts.