Social Influence

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

Adjusting our behavior / thinking to fit in w/ a group standard
Includes automatic mimicry, social norms, and normative / informational social influence

Question 2

Automatic Mimicry

Answer 2

A component of conformity
Subconscious mimicry of surrounding behavior
- regional accents
- contagious yawning
- empathetic mood shifts
- adopting coping styles (yelling, withdrawal)

Question 3

Social Norm

Answer 3

A “correct” / “normal” way to behave / think in a spec group

Asch conformity studies showed that ~33% of ppl will agree w/ mistruths to go along w/ group

Question 4

What makes you more likely to conform?

Answer 4

1. You are not firmly committed to one set of beliefs / style of behavior
2. Group has at least 3 ppl / unanimous
3. You admire / are attracted to the group
4. Group tries to make you feel incompetent / closely watched
5. Your culture encourages respect for norms

Question 5

Normative Social Influences

Answer 5

Going along w/ others in pursuit of social approval / belonging (and to avoid disapproval / rejection)
Asch conformity studies showed this
eg. fashion sense

Question 6

Informational Social Influences

Answer 6

Going along w/ others b/c their ideas / behaviors make sense, the evidence in our social environment changes our minds
eg. deciding which side of the road to drive on

Question 7

Under what social conditions are ppl more likely to obey commands?

Answer 7

1. When a physical, legitimate authority figure associated w// a prestigious institution simply gives a command
2. When the effected party is not physically present
3. No role model for defiance
   Eg. Milgram experiment

Question 8

Social Facilitation

Answer 8

Intensification of individual performance when observers are present; increase of autonomic arousal along w/ increasing motivation for confident ppl / anxiety for unconfident ppl
Applies mostly to experts, not to novices

Question 9

Social Loafing

Answer 9

Tendency of ppl in a group setting to show less effort when not held individually accountable
Ppl in collectivist cultures don’t slack off as much maybe b/c they believe contributions matter even w/out reward

Question 10

Deindividuation

Answer 10

Loss of self-awareness / self-restraint
Occurs in group settings involving anonymity and arousal
eg. riots, KKK, bullying, concerts

Question 11

Group Polarization

Answer 11

Tendency of ppl of similar views form a group together and making their views more extreme
Ppl in these groups may encounter only reinforcing ideas

Question 12

Groupthink

Answer 12

Phenomenon in which individuals w/in a group will make decisions in pursuit of social harmony / avoidance of social disagreement even w/out open exchange of ideas
Prevents realistic assessment of options

Question 13

Individual Power

Answer 13

Individuals w/in a group may resist obedience / conformity
Individuals can initiate social forces
Individuals can prevent groupthink