NCERT Class 12 Psychology Psychology: Chapter 7 — === page_13 (layout_surya) ===
This chapter, "=== page_13 (layout_surya) ===," from NCERT Class 12 Psychology, explores the fundamental role of groups in our lives. It begins by defining a group as an organized system of two or more interacting and interdependent individuals with common motives, roles, and norms. The chapter highlights the importance of group membership for personal growth and positive societal influence. It differentiates true groups from mere collections of people by emphasizing mutual interdependence, defined roles, status differentials, and expectations among members. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending how group membership shapes individual behavior and contributes to becoming a good citizen. The chapter aims to provide insights into the nature and formation of groups and their impact on individuals.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — === page_13 (layout_surya) === |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 384 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the nature and types of groups.
- Know how groups are formed.
- Examine the influence of groups on individual behavior.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Interdependent | Relying on each other. |
| Norms | Standards or rules that regulate behavior. |
| Motives | Reasons or intentions for acting. |
| Social unit | A collection of individuals perceived as belonging together. |
| Status differentials | Differences in rank or position within a group. |
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Practice questions
- Define a group according to the chapter. Answer: A group is defined as an organized system of two or more individuals who are interacting and interdependent, have common motives, a set of role relationships, and norms that regulate their behavior.
- What distinguishes a group from a mere collection of people? Answer: A group is distinguished by mutual interdependence, defined roles, status differentials, and expectations among members, unlike a mere collection of people who may be together but lack these characteristics.
- Why is group membership considered important? Answer: Group membership is important because it provides support and comfort, facilitates individual growth and development, and influences us positively, helping us become good citizens.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a salient characteristic of a group?
Explanation: While individuals in a group may share characteristics, shared physical traits are not a defining characteristic of a group according to the chapter's definition. Interdependence, self-perception of belonging, and common motives are key.
Q2. According to the chapter, what does interdependence in a group imply?
Explanation: Interdependence means that what one member does can affect other members of the group, highlighting their interconnectedness.
Q3. What is the primary function of group norms mentioned in the definition?
Explanation: Group norms are defined as rules that regulate the behavior of members within the group, ensuring a degree of order and predictability.
Q4. The chapter contrasts groups with:
Explanation: The text explicitly differentiates between true groups and other collections of people, such as an audience at a cricket match, which lack interdependence and defined roles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the definition of a group in Psychology?
A group is defined as an organized system of two or more individuals who are interacting and interdependent, have common motives, a set of role relationships among its members, and norms that regulate the behavior of its members.
What are the key characteristics of a group?
Key characteristics include being a social unit of two or more individuals who perceive themselves as belonging to the group, having common motives and goals, and being interdependent.
How is a group different from a collection of people?
A group has mutual interdependence, defined roles, status differentials, and expectations among members, whereas a collection of people (like an audience) may be together but lacks these features.
Why is understanding groups important?
Understanding groups is important because they provide support, facilitate growth, and influence our behavior, helping us become good citizens.
What does interdependence mean in the context of a group?
Interdependence means that the actions of one member can have consequences for other members of the group.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Psychology — Psychology — Chapter 7 — === page_13 (layout_surya) ===. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.