1. Social Influence

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

a change in a person’s behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagine pressure or a group of people

Question 2

Internalisation

Answer 2

a deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct. It leads to both a public and private change in behaviour, even when the group is not present.

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

a moderate type of conformity where we act in the same way as the group because we value it and want to be a part of it . We publicly agree with it but this doesn’t lead to a private change

Question 4

Compliance

Answer 4

a superficial type of conformity where we publicly agree with the majority view but privately disagree with it. This change only lasts in the presence of the group

Question 5

Informational social influence (ISI)

Answer 5

an explanation of conformity that we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe others are correct and we want to to be correct as well. This may lead to internalisation

Question 6

Normative social influence (NSI)

Answer 6

an explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted, gain social approval and be liked. Leads to compliance

Question 7

Group size

Answer 7

Asch increased the size of the group by adding more confederates to increase majority. He found that conformity increased but only until a certain point, levelling off at majority of 3

Question 8

Unanimity

Answer 8

The extent to which all members of a group agree. In Asch’s studies, the majority was unanimous as the confederates selected the wrong line. This produced greatest degree of conformity

Question 9

Task difficulty

Answer 9

Asch’s line-judging task is more difficult when the comparison lines are similar in length. Conformity increases a naïve participants think the others have more information (ISI)

Question 10

Social roles

Answer 10

The parts people play as members of various social groups. These are accompanied by expectations we and others have of the appropriate behaviour is in each role.

Question 11

Obedience

Answer 11

a form of social influence in which an individual follows a direct order. \the person issuing the order is usually a figure of authority who has the power to punish when obedient behaviour is not forthcoming.

Question 12

Situational variables

Answer 12

In his research Milgram identified several factors which he believed influenced the level of obedience shown by participants. They are all related to the external circumstances rather than to the dispositional factors

Question 13

Proximity (SV)

Answer 13

The physical distance of an authority figure to the person they are giving the order to. Also refers to the physical closeness of the teacher and learner in Milgram’s studies

Question 14

Location (SV)

Answer 14

The place in which the order is issued. The status/prestige associated with the location influences obediance

Question 15

Uniform (SV)

Answer 15

A piece of clothing that identifies an individual with a particular position of authority, often symbolic, eg. police officers and judges

Question 16

Agentic state

Answer 16

A mental state in which we feel no responsibility for our actions as we believe that we are acting for an authority figure. Allows us to obey a destructive authority by freeing us from guilt

Question 17

Legitimacy of authority

Answer 17

An explanation of obedience which says we are more likely to obey people who we perceive to have authority over us. This authority is justified by their position in the social hierarchy.

Question 18

Binding factors

Answer 18

The reason why an individual remains in the agentic state. The are freed from guilt as they believe that are acting as an agent for the authority figure. Done by shifting blame or denying harm done

Question 19

Agentic shift

Answer 19

the movement from an autonomous state to an agentic one

Question 20

Dispositional explanation

Answer 20

Exp of behaviour, highlighting individual’s personality. Contrasted with situational exps

Question 21

Authoritarian personality

Answer 21

personality type more susceptible to obeying authority. Individuals are submissive to those of a higher social status and dismissive of inferiors

Question 22

Resistance to social influence

Answer 22

ppl’s ability to withstand pressure to conform or obey authority. Influenced by situational and dispositional factors

Question 23

Social Support

Answer 23

presence of ppl who resist pressures to conform/obey helps others to do the same. They act as models for others and show resistance is possible

Question 24

Locus of control

Answer 24

Sense we have about what directs events in our lives. Internals= responsible for what happens to them. Externals= matter of luck/external forces

Question 25

Minority Influence

Answer 25

form of social influence in which the minority of people persuade others to adopt their beliefs. Leads to internalisation or conversion so private and public behaviours are changed

Question 26

Consistency

Answer 26

Diachronic (over a long period of time) and synchronic (all sharing same beliefs) consistency are key to making a minority successful by drawing attention to minority view

Question 27

Commitment

Answer 27

Dedication is demonstrated by minority by making personal sacrifices. Shows minority isn’t acting out of self interest

Question 28

Flexibility

Answer 28

Have to be able to accept possibility of compromise so that they’re not viewed as rigid or dogmatic

Question 29

Social Change

Answer 29

when whole societies adopt new attitudes, beliefs or behaviours.