Chapter 6: Conformity and Obedience Flashcards
Norm formation
when different people reach a consensus in a socially ambiguous setting
Conformity
A change in behavior or belief as the result of real or imagined group pressure
Compliance
publicly acting with an implied or explicit request while privately disagreeing
Obedience
acting in accord with a direct order or command
Acceptance
ACTING and BELIEVING in accord with social pressure
Reactance
A motive to protect or restore one’s sense of freedom when it is threatened
Group pressure
direct or indirect social pressure exerted by a group on its individual members to influence their choices.
Asch study
participants were surrounded by actors and asked to identify which line length was the same
they would conform to the group due to social pressure
Autokinetic effect
Psychologists had previously discovered a small, unmoving light in a dark room would appear to be moving
Used in the sherif experiment
Sherif study
Sherif found that over numerous estimates of the movement of light, the group converged to a common estimate.
Demonstrates how social influence can take the form of acceptance
Milgram study
They measured a diverse range of occupations to see if they would obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts conflicting with their personal conscience
Who conforms
- Lots of people
- Ambigious situations
- Collectivist cultures
Social roles
pattern of behavior that is expected of a person in a given setting or group
Social norm
the perceived informal beliefs that define acceptable and appropriate actions within a given group or community
Normative influence
“going along with the crowd” in order to avoid rejection or gain acceptance
