Social Influence Flashcards
Define Conformity
A change in opinion or behaviour because of real or imagined group pressure from the majority group of people.
Define Internalisation
A deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it is correct. It leads to far-reaching and permanent change in behaviour, even when the group is absent.
Define Identification
A moderate type od conformity where we act in the same way with the group because we value it and want to be part of it. But we don’t necessarily agree with everything the majority believes.
Define Compliance
A superficial and temporary type of conformity where we outwardly go along with the majority view, but privately disagree with it. The change in our behaviour only lasts as long as the group is monitoring us.
Define Informational social influence (ISI)
An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. We accept it because we want to be correct as well. This may lead to internalisation (see above).
Define 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. This may lead to compliance (see above).
Define Group size
Asch increased the size of the group by adding more confederates, thus increasing the size of the majority. Conformity increased with group size, but only up to a point, levelling off when the majority was greater than three.
Define Unanimity
The extent to which all the members of a group agree. In Asch’s studies, the majority was unanimous when all the confederates selected the same comparison line. This produced the greatest degree of conformity in the naïve participants.
Define Task difficulty
Asch’s line-judging task is more difficult when it becomes harder to work out the correct answer. Conformity increases because naïve participants assume that the majority is more likely to be right.
Define Social roles
The ‘parts’ people play as members of various social groups. Everyday examples include parent child, student passenger and so on. These are accompanied by expectations we and others have of what is appropriate behaviour in each role, for example caring, obedient industrious, etc.
Define 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.
Define Situational variables
In his research Milgram identified several factors that he believed influenced the level of obedience shown by participants. They are all related to the external circumstances rather that to the personalities of the people involved, and include:
Define Proximity
The physical closeness or distance of an authority figure to the person they are giving an order to. Also refers to the physical closeness of the teacher to the victim (learner) in Milgram’s studies.
Define Location
The place where an order is issued. The relevant factor that influences obedience is the status or prestige associated with the location.
Define Uniform
People in positions of authority often have specific outfit that is symbolic of their authority, for example police officers and judges. This indicates to the rest of us who is entitled to expect our obedience.
