topic 5 Flashcards
what are social norms?
unspoken rules in society
why did Sherif suggest norms develop?
to guide behaviour in conditions of uncertainty
how did Sherif investigate social norms?
autokinetic effect with light
point of light appears to move
over time, people guessed closer to other people’s answers
how does Asch define conformity?
rational process- people construct norms from other’s behaviour to determine appropriate behaviour
what were the results in Asch’ study of conformity?
average conformity was 33%
when they could answer anonymously, conformity reduced to 12.5%
which situations does informational social influence occur in?
ambiguous/uncertain situations
which type of social influence is a true cognitive change?
informational
how does Sherif’s study demonstrate informational social influence?
answer about the light was ambiguous, so people used other’s answers to judge what was correct
how does a majority influence exert social influence?
via social comparison
how does a minority exert social influence?
indirect, private change in opinion
conversion effect as a consequence of active consideration of the minority view
how does commitment to the cause affect obedience to authority?
gradual change and commitment
when did proximity decrease obedience?
when instructions were given over the phone
