7B The Influence of Obedience and Conformity on Behaviour

Question 1

Obedience

Answer 1

Obedience is complying with commands which are often given by a source of authority

Question 2

Factors that influence obedience

Answer 2

Factors that can influence obedience:
Status of authority figure
Proximity
Group pressure

Question 3

Conformity

Answer 3

Conformity involves adjusting one’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviours to match those of others, a social group, or a social situation.

Question 4

Difference between obedience and conformity

Answer 4

In obedience, the figure of authority holds power. In conformity, the group holds power

Question 5

Factors that effect conformity

Answer 5

Social norms are society’s unofficial rules and expectations regarding how individuals should act

Group think is the assumed group unanimity overrules individuals’ realistic appraisal of consequences
E.g. during a group project, someone suggests an idea everyone thinks is great but you disagree. However, you decide to go along with the majority

Group shift is when the influence of the group causes an individual to adopt a more extreme position (more extreme means different from their initial position)
Group shift can be regarded as a subset of group think

Deindividuation is the tendency for individuals to lose their sense of individuality within a group (provides anonymity)
E.g. when people are in a mosh pit at a concert, they may be punching the air and shaking their heads frantically. Individuals would be unlikely to act this way if they were alone