Social Influence Flashcards
Conformity
A change in a persons behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or group of people.
Internalisation
A deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct. It leads to a far-reaching and permanent change in behaviour, even when the group is absent.
Identification
A moderate type of 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.
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.
Informational social influence (ISI)
We agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. We accept it because we want to be correct too.
Normative social influence (NSI)
We agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted, gain social approval and be liked.
Obedience
A form of social influence in which an individual follows a direct order. The person giving the order is usually a figure of authority, who has the power to give punishment when obedient behaviour is not forthcoming.
Agentic state
When we feel no personal responsibility for our behaviour because we believe we are acting for an authority figure.
Legitimacy of authority
An explanation of obedience that suggests we’re more likely to obey people who we perceive to have authority over us.
Authoritarian personality
A type of personality that Adorno argued was especially susceptible to obeying people in authority. Such individuals are thought to be submissive to those of higher status and dismissive of inferiors.
Social support
The presence of people who resist pressures to conform or obey can help others to do the same. These people can act as models to show others that resistance to social influence is possible.
Locus of control (LOC)
The sense we each have about what directs events in our lives.
Internal LOC believe they’re mostly responsible for what happens to them.
External LOC believe it is a matter of luck or other outside forces.
Minority influence
A form of social influence in which a minority or people (sometimes just one person) persuade others to adopt their beliefs, attitudes or behaviours.
Consistency
Minority influence is most effective if the minority keeps the same beliefs, both over time and between all the individuals that form the minority. It’s effective because it draws attention to the minority view.
Commitment
Minority influence is more powerful if the minority demonstrates dedication to their position, e.g. by making personal sacrifices. This is effective because it shows the minority is not acting out of self-interest.
