reference group theory

a general conceptual framework that assumes that individuals’ attitudes, values, and self-appraisals are shaped, in part, by their identification with, and comparison to, reference groups. A reference group theory of self-concept, for example, assumes that individuals compare their economic, intellectual, social, and cultural achievements to those attained by members of their reference group. Similarly, a reference group theory of values suggests that individuals adopt the values expressed by the majority of the members of their reference group. [proposed in 1942 by U.S. sociologist Herbert H. Hyman (1918–1985)]

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Psychology term of the day

January 26th 2025

congenital oculomotor apraxia

a condition, present at birth, in which a child is unable to fixate objects normally (see oculomotor apraxia). It is characterized by the absence of saccades and smooth-pursuit eye movements in the horizontal plane, but vertical eye movements are preserved: Children with this condition are often mistakenly thought to be blind. Between the ages of 4 and 6 months, they develop thrusting, horizontal head movements, sometimes blinking prominently or rubbing their eyelids when they attempt to change fixation. The cause of congenital oculomotor apraxia is unknown, but there is usually an improvement with age.