Social INfluence Thoery Flashcards
Who is the theorist of Social Influence
KELMAN
What is social influence
Occurs when the real or implied presence of people influences the behaviour and attitudes of others.
What are the two types of social influence?
Obedience and conformity
Why do people change their behaviour?
People change their attitudes and beliefs and consequently their behaviour, due to social influence.
What is compliance?
Form of social influence where behaviour is changed in response to a direct or indirect request by another person.
What is compliance in more detail?
An individual changes attitudes or behaviours with the aim of being rewarded by, or avoiding punishment from, a person or group, or to gain approval or avoid disapproval from them.
The desire for approval or a reward, or avoidance of disapproval or punishment, is not worth accepting influence, even though the individual does not follow the beliefs of the influencing agent.
This form of influence occurs when people are under surveillance or are identified.
Influencing agent of Compliance
People who have the power to reward and punish
Example of Compliance
Slowing down when someone sees a speed camera on the freeway> The individual may not believe that there should be set limits on the freeway but they slow down to avoid getting a fine. The influencing agent would be the Government of Western Australia.
What is Identification (DETAIL)
Arises when people change their attitudes or behaviours because they want to establish or sustain a satisfying relationship with another person. The relationship may be reciprocal, where there is a mutual exchange between them or the person may want to be like the other person.
Influence is accepted by an individual because the behaviour and attitudes are associated with the desired relationship.
As soon as the relationship’ purpose ceases to exist, the conforming behaviour will end
Influencing agent of Identification
People that others believe having a relationship with would be attractive and important
Example of Identification
Students cooperating with their teachers and forming a positive rapport with them in order to receive resources, mentoring and help with class work.
Internalisation IN DETAIL
- accepts influence because the attitude or behaviour of the group is in line with those of the individual
The individual internalises the attitude or behaviour because they are intrinsically satisfied with it being a part of them.
Due to rational persuasion, the behaviour is performed when the relevant issue arises.
Influencing agent for Internalisation
People who have credibility due to being trustworthy and an expert in their field.
EXAMPLE OF INTERNALISATION
People who take their cat to the vet for a yearly vaccination and check-up will follow the vets’ health care advice if the client shares the same attitude of the vet, that preventative care is important.
STRENGTH OF THEORY
Kelman’s processes of social influence can be tested experimentally and its effects can be observed and provide empirical evidence (observation or experiment)
Kelman went to apply his theory to therapy and was able to explain how processes of influence can be directed to the patient’s behaviour both within the therapy situation and applied to real-life situations outside of therapy.
