Social Psychology AS Flashcards
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
Conformity
A change in a person’s behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a group of people (majority)
Social Influence
How we are influenced by others, either by a group (majority influence) or an individual (minority influence or obedience), to change our behaviour, thinking and/or attitudes
Internalisation
Deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct. It leads to a permanent change of behaviour or opinion even when the group is absent
Identification
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. We feel a sense of membership and it is often a temporary change.
Compliance
Shallowest form of conformity. It is a superficial and temporary change of behaviour. The person publicly agrees but privately disagrees with the majority and it is only when the group is present
WHY WE CONFORM: Informative Social Influence (ISI)
We agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct so we accept it as we want to be correct as well. This may lead to identification
-Sherif experiment: group norm emerged and looked to others for help as believed they were correct
WHY WE CONFORM:
Normative Social Influence (NSI)
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.
-Asch experiment: real participants agreed with the opinion of the group and wished to be accepted by them
Minority Influence
A form of social influence in which a minority of people (sometimes just one person) persuade others to adopt their beliefs, attitudes or behaviours
