Social Influence Definitions

Question 1

Define conformity

Answer 1

A change in a persons behaviour as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or group.

Question 2

Define compliance

Answer 2

The most superficial form of conformity where a person adopts the behaviours or values of a group, but this is not a permanent change in belief as they only hold the belief as long as they are being monitored by the group.

Question 3

Define Internalisation

Answer 3

The deepest form of conformity where an individual adopts the behaviours or values of a group or person because it goes in line with their value system and they believe it to be true. The change in belief is permanent.

Question 4

Define identification

Answer 4

A moderate form of conformity where one adopts the values or behaviours of a group in order to feel associated with the group, regardless of if we agree with it or not.

Question 5

Define ISI (Informational Social Influence)

Answer 5

An explanation for conformity, which says that we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe they are correct and we accept it because we want it to be correct. This can lead to internalisation.

Question 6

Define NSI (Normative Social Influence)

Answer 6

An explanation for conformity, which says that we agree with the opinion of the majority because we desire social approval and want to be liked and fear disapproval. This can lead to compliance.

Question 7

Define social roles

Answer 7

The parts that people play as members of various social groups along with the appropriate behaviour for each role eg) student = obedient.

Question 8

Define Obedience

Answer 8

A type of social influence where an individual follows a direct order from a figure of authority who has the power to punish if the obedient behaviour isn’t forthcoming.

Question 9

Define Situational Variables

Answer 9

The explanation for behaviours as being due to the external factors I.E) factors to do with the environment and not internal factors like your personality.

Question 10

Define the agentic state

Answer 10

A mental state where we feel no personal responsibility for our behaviour as we believe we are acting as an agent on behalf of an authority figure. This allows us to free ourselves from the demands of our conscience and obey even a destructive authority figure.

Question 11

Define Legitimacy of authority

Answer 11

An explanation for obedience, which says that we are more likely to obey people we receive to have more authority than ourselves and the authority is justified by the persons position in the social hierarchy.

Question 12

Define dis positional explanations

Answer 12

Explanations for behaviour that highlight the importance of an individuals personality and not situational factors.

Question 13

Define the authoritarian personality

Answer 13

A personality type Adorno Et al characterised was most susceptible to obeying authority figures and are also are submissive to those with higher status and dismissive to those who are inferior.

Question 14

Define LOC (Locus Of Control)

Answer 14

Refers to what we believe is responsible for our experiences, those with an internal locus believe that they are personally responsible for what happens to them, but those with an external locus of control believe external forces like luck are responsible for their experiences.

Question 15

Define Resistance to social influence

Answer 15

The ability of people to withstand social pressure to conform and obey, and the ability to withstand the social pressure is influences both by situational and dispositional factors.

Question 16

Define Social Support

Answer 16

Presence of people that resist to obey or conform, which then acts as a model and allows others to also refuse to obey and conform, showing that resistance to social influence is possible.

Question 17

Define minority influence

Answer 17

A type of social influence where a minority is able to persuade a member of a minority group to adopt their values, behaviours and attitudes, which leads to internalisation or conversion where both public and private change in belief takes place.

Question 18

Define consistency

Answer 18

Says that minority influence is more likely to have impact if the minority groups the same belief, over time and amongst all members in the group. This draws attention to the minority view.

Question 19

Define commitment

Answer 19

Says minority influence is most impactful when the minority shows dedication to the cause by making personal sacrifices to symbolise that they aren’t acting out of selfishness.

Question 20

Define flexibility

Answer 20

Argues that relentless consistency is counter-productive and can show the minority as being unbending and unreasonable, so some flexibility is needed to show that the minority is willing to compromise.

Question 21

Define Social influence

Answer 21

The process by which individuals and groups change each others believes attitudes and beliefs, includes conformity, obedience and minority influence.

Question 22

Define Social Change

Answer 22

When whole societies rather than individuals adopt new attitudes and beliefs ie) acceptance of gay rights, that the Earth orbits the Sun etc.