Psychology Conformity Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of normative influence in conformity?

To meet social expectations and gain approval (correct)
To rebel against societal norms
To challenge existing beliefs
To provide accurate information about reality

In what scenario is informational influence likely to occur?

When individuals change their behavior based on credible information (correct)
When social roles dictate behavior
When individuals are pressured to fit in a group
When individuals resist conforming due to personal freedom

How does culture influence conformity according to the content?

Collectivist cultures tend to have higher levels of conformity (correct)
Individualist cultures encourage conformity
Conformity is equal across all cultures
Conformity is unaffected by cultural norms

Which personality trait is generally associated with a higher likelihood of conformity?

Agreeableness (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role do social roles play in conformity?

They can pressure individuals to conform to expectations (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did Northern Illinois University successfully reduce binge drinking among students?

By promoting moderate drinking as the norm (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception regarding conformity?

All individuals have the same level of conformity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is reactance in the context of conformity?

A response against perceived threats to personal freedom (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of trendsetters in the two-step flow of communication?

They relay information from the media to others. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the age of the audience affect persuasion?

Younger audiences often change their attitudes more easily. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor that influences whether a person develops a counterargument when being persuaded?

Distraction from other activities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does attitude inoculation utilize to resist strong arguments?

Presenting weaker arguments to build immunity. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the study conducted to promote healthy eating among children, what method was employed with one group?

Children were given healthy snacks without explanation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What effect does being forewarned about persuasion have on an audience?

It increases the likelihood of formulating counterarguments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the peripheral route to persuasion refer to in an uninvolved audience?

Making decisions based on superficial cues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What new effort is being applied to combat peer pressure among children regarding smoking?

Stressing the refusal of peer pressure. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do people generally seek in a social setting regarding their individuality?

To assert their individuality without looking too different (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the central route to persuasion?

Persuasion that involves careful consideration of arguments presented (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the peripheral route to persuasion?

Is mainly influenced by superficial cues rather than content (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of persuasion?

To evoke change in behavior and belief (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement illustrates normative influence in social settings?

Adopting a new fashion trend to fit in with a peer group (D) Signup and view all the answers

What can result from group cohesion in decision-making processes?

Suppression of dissenting views for harmony (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characterizes public response dynamics?

Involves the perception of social approval or disapproval (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the central route to persuasion typically influence attitudes?

By fostering deep processing of message content (D) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Conformity

Normative influence: Going along with others to fit in and avoid rejection. Social expectations drive conformity.
- Example: Northern Illinois University cut binge drinking in half by highlighting the norm of moderate drinking among students.
- Example: Teenagers are influenced to smoke by seeing it as common among their peers.
Informational influence: Conforming based on information provided by others.
- Example: Hotel and restaurant reviews, following a diet recommended by a trusted source.
Personality traits: People high in agreeableness and conscientiousness are more likely to conform, while those high in openness to experience and thrill-seeking are less likely.
Collective cultures: Conformity is higher in collectivist cultures.
Social roles: Social roles can make people conform due to associated responsibilities.
- Example: A student conforms to school rules and instructor requirements.

Resisting Conformity

Reactance: A resistance to conformity when feelings of freedom and self-efficacy are threatened.
- Example: People may avoid exercise and healthy eating because they feel pressured to conform.
Two-step flow of communication: Media influence operates through influential people (trendsetters) who spread information to others.

Persuasion

Audience: The age of the receiver influences persuasion, with younger generations more susceptible to attitude changes.
Persuasion resistance: Forewarning makes people more likely to formulate counterarguments against persuasive communication.
Distraction: Distraction reduces critical thinking and increases susceptibility to persuasion.
- Example: Reading a persuasive message while watching a video.
Peripheral route to persuasion: People are convinced by superficial cues without much thought.
- Example: Advertising that uses visual imagery instead of strong arguments.

Attitude Inoculation

Counterargument: Presenting reasons why a persuasive argument is wrong reduces the likelihood of being persuaded by stronger arguments.
- Example: Children who were presented with counterarguments against junk food were more likely to choose healthy snacks.

Assertive Uniqueness

People strive for individuality while avoiding extreme differences within a social setting.

Routes to Persuasion

Central route: Presented with arguments that, if compelling, lead to belief or conviction.
Peripheral route: Swayed by superficial cues and automatic acceptance without much thought.
- Example: Advertisements that rely on visual imagery and emotional appeal rather than logic.