Final answer:
A clique is a small, exclusive group with common interests, excluding those outside their group, fitting the description in the student's question about social interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves understanding different types of groups and relationships within a social context. In the context provided, a clique is a small, exclusive group of people who share interests and often exclude others outside their group. This fits the description of some students associating only with their clique and rarely trying to make new friends. Compared to other options, a cohort is a broader category often based on demographic traits, such as people being born within the same time period. A faction is a smaller, organized dissenting group within a larger one, typically involved in politics or within large organizations. An ensemble typically refers to a group of musicians, actors, or other performers who perform together.
Cliques can lead to in-groups or out-groups, which are central to the socialization process in various environments including school campuses, workplaces, and other organizations. Being part of a clique can greatly influence a person's social experience and can sometimes result in exclusivity and favoritism.