1. Social Influence Flashcards
Conformity
a change in a person’s behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagine pressure or a group of people
Internalisation
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.
Identification
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
Compliance
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
Informational social influence (ISI)
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
Normative social influence (NSI)
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
Group size
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
Unanimity
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
Task difficulty
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)
Social roles
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.
Obedience
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.
Situational variables
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
Proximity (SV)
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
Location (SV)
The place in which the order is issued. The status/prestige associated with the location influences obediance
Uniform (SV)
A piece of clothing that identifies an individual with a particular position of authority, often symbolic, eg. police officers and judges