ch. 12.1-2 conformity & group behavior

Question 1

social psychology

Answer 1

the scientific study of how a person’s behavior, thoughts, & feelings influence & are influenced by social groups

Question 2

social influence

Answer 2

the process through which the real or implied presence of others can directly or indirectly influence the thoughts, feelings, & behavior of an individual

Question 3

conformity

Answer 3

changing one’s own behavior to match that of other ppl

Question 4

normative social influence

Answer 4

the need to act in ways that we feel will let us be liked & accepted by others

Question 5

informational social influence

Answer 5

take our cues for how to behave from other ppl when we are in a situation that isn’t clear or is ambiguous

Question 6

groupthink

Answer 6

occurs when ppl place more importance on maintaining group cohesiveness than on assessing the facts of the prob. w/ which the group is concerned

Symptoms include
- Group invulnerability
- Stereotyping those who disagree as not valid opinions
- Having a “don’t rock the boat” mentality

Question 7

invulnerability

Answer 7

members feel they cannot fail

Question 8

rationalization

Answer 8

members explain away warning signs & help each other rationalize their decision

Question 9

lack of introspection

Answer 9

Members don’t examine the ethical implications of their decisions bc they believe that they cannot make immoral choices

Question 10

stereotyping

Answer 10

members stereotype their enemies as weak, stupid, or unreasonable

Question 11

pressure

Answer 11

members pressure each other not to question the prevailing opinion

Question 12

lack of disagreement

Answer 12

members don’t express opinions that differ from the group consensus

Question 13

self-deception

Answer 13

members share in the illusion that they all agree w/ the decision

Question 14

insularity

Answer 14

members prevent the group from hearing disruptive but potentially useful info from ppl who are outside the group