Which of the following is NOT a reason for people to join groups?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Connection

People join groups because groups satisfy a range of needs: security, status, self-esteem, satisfaction of psychological and social needs, goal achievement, and knowledge and information.

Option (1) Security — A reason for joining groups (Incorrect). When alone we feel insecure; groups reduce this insecurity and give a sense of comfort and protection.

Option (2) Self-Esteem — A reason for joining groups (Incorrect). Groups provide feelings of self-worth and a positive social identity; membership of a prestigious group enhances one’s self-concept.

Option (3) Status — A reason for joining groups (Incorrect). As members of a group that others see as important, we feel recognised and experience a sense of power, as when one’s school wins a debate competition.

Option (4) Connection — Not one of the named reasons for joining groups (Correct). Security, self-esteem and status are three of the named reasons why people join groups; ‘connection’ is not given as a reason in its own right.

Note: One can argue that a wish for connection with others is part of the sense of belongingness, which the book counts among the psychological and social needs that groups satisfy. However, the book names security, status and self-esteem as reasons for joining groups and does not name ‘connection’ as a reason of its own, so Option (4) is marked as per the NTA answer key.