Identify the odd one out from the following:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Neighbours who chat in the park each evening

Option (1) Neighbours who chat in the park each evening — Correct. Neighbours chatting in a park follow no written rules or stated roles. This is an informal group: it is not based on rules or laws and has a close relationship among members. The other three are formal groups.

Option (2) Teachers who work in the same university — Incorrect. A university is the standard example of a formal group. Its formation rests on specific rules or laws, and a set of norms keeps order.

Option (3) Soldiers who serve in one army unit — Incorrect. An army is highly organised. Each soldier has a definite role set by rules, which marks a formal group.

Option (4) Officers who work in a bank branch — Incorrect. A bank is an office organisation. Its functions and the roles of its officers are stated explicitly, so it is a formal group.

NCERT (2026-27): “Formal and Informal Groups
These groups differ in the degree to which the functions of the group are stated explicitly and formally. The functions of a formal group are explicitly stated as in the case of an office organisation. The roles to be performed by group members are stated in an explicit manner. The formal and informal groups differ on the basis of structure. The formation of formal groups is based on some specific rules or laws and members have definite roles. There are a set of norms which help in establishing order. A university is an example of a formal group. On the other hand, the formation of informal groups is not based on rules or laws and there is close relationship among members.”

Identify the odd one out from the following:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 1

The correct answer is Option (1) → Neighbours who chat in the park each evening

Option (3) Soldiers who serve in one army unit — Incorrect. An army is highly organised. Each soldier has a definite role set by rules, which marks a formal group.