Oxford AQA A Level Psychology: GROUP MEMBERSHIP EFFECTS [3.3.4 Work and The Individual]

This fully editable lesson on Group Membership Effects explores how group belonging shapes individual behaviour, with a focus on deindividuation and in-group/out-group dynamics. Aligned with the OxfordAQA International A-Level Psychology (9685) specification, this lesson provides insights into the psychological processes that drive behaviours within groups, helping students understand how social identities impact attitudes and actions.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Lesson Slides: The slides detail foundational concepts in group psychology, including deindividuation and in-group/out-group effects. Students explore how deindividuation leads to a loss of self-awareness and increases the likelihood of extreme behaviours, as illustrated by classic studies like Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment and Sherif’s Robbers Cave Experiment. Visual aids and structured explanations help students grasp the implications of group membership in real-world contexts, such as workplaces and social environments.

• Interactive Activities: Thought-provoking “Do Now” prompts and Think-Pair-Share discussions engage students, encouraging them to reflect on their own group affiliations and how these may influence their behaviour. Scenario-based questions, like analysing why Ken from the burger restaurant has negative feelings toward workers in the neighbouring pizza restaurant, allow students to apply theories such as deindividuation and social identity theory to practical examples.

• Evaluation Points and Assessment Materials: The lesson includes structured PEEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Evaluation) tasks to help students critically assess theories on group membership. Evaluation worksheets explore the strengths and limitations of deindividuation and social identity theory, addressing aspects like cultural influences and ethical considerations. Exam-style questions further reinforce understanding, challenging students to apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations where group dynamics shape behaviour.