IB Psychology SL 2.3.9 Social Identity Theory Questions

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "evaluate" requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of social identity theory. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.

The key concepts of social identity theory presented may include, but are not limited to:
- social categorization (in-groups/out-groups)
- social identification
- social comparison
- positive distinctiveness.

Relevant studies may include but are not limited to:
- Tajfel's (1971) studies on social groups and identities
- Sherif et al.'s (1961) Robbers Cave study
- Cialdini et al.'s (1976) Basking in Reflected Glory study
- Abrams's (1990) study of the role of social identity on levels of conformity
- Maass's (2003) study of the role of social identity on violence
- Drury et al.'s (2009);
Levine et al.'s (2005) studies of helping behaviour
- Park and Rothbart's (1982) study on outgroup homogeneity in sororities.

Evaluation may include, but is not limited to:
- the effectiveness of the theory in explaining behaviour
- the usefulness of the theory in generating psychological research
- methodological, cultural and gender considerations
- supporting and/or contradictory findings or explanations
- applications of the theory.

If the candidate addresses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion D: critical thinking.

The focus of the response should be on the evaluation of the theory. If a candidate only evaluates relevant studies, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion D: critical thinking.