Psychology on Conformity and Social Influence
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Questions and Answers

Conformity is a change in a person's behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from another individual or ______.

group

As the size of the majority increases, conformity grows with group size but plateaus when the majority exceeds ______.

three

In Asch's research, the degree to which all members of a group agree is known as ______.

unanimity

Task difficulty increases conformity because naive individuals believe the majority is more likely to be ______.

<p>correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

Internalisation is a profound type of conformity in which we adopt the mainstream position because we believe it is ______.

<p>correct</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identification is a mild form of conformity where we behave as the group does because we appreciate it and want to be a ______.

<p>part</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compliance is a transient type of conformity where we publicly support the mainstream perspective while privately ______ with it.

<p>disagree</p> Signup and view all the answers

Normative social influence is the conformity that occurs when we agree with the majority's opinion to obtain social ______.

<p>approval</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is a mental state where individuals believe they act on behalf of an authoritative figure.

<p>agentic state</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ of authority theory states that we are more willing to obey those we perceive to have control over us.

<p>legitimacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ personality is described by Adorno as a personality type that is predisposed to obey authority.

<p>authoritarian</p> Signup and view all the answers

People's ability to resist social pressure is referred to as ______ to social influence.

<p>resistance</p> Signup and view all the answers

The presence of individuals who resist social pressure is known as ______ support.

<p>social</p> Signup and view all the answers

An individual's perception of what influences events in their lives is called ______ of control.

<p>locus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Minority influence can lead to ______ or conversion in the attitudes of others.

<p>internalisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consistency is crucial for minority influence, as it signifies ______ in beliefs among minority group members.

<p>stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Conformity

A change in a person's behavior or opinions due to real or imagined pressure from others.

Unanimity

The degree to which everyone in a group agrees.

Internalisation

When we adopt the mainstream position because we truly believe it's correct, leading to lasting change even when the group is not there.

Identification

A mild form of conformity where we behave like the group because we like them and want to belong, but don't necessarily agree with everything they believe.

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Compliance

A temporary and superficial conformity where we publicly agree with the group but privately disagree.

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Informational Social Influence (ISI)

When we conform to the majority's opinion because we believe it's right, leading to internalisation.

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Normative Social Influence (NSI)

Conforming to the majority's opinion to gain social approval and popularity.

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Social roles

The roles people play in different social groups.

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Agentic State

When we feel we are acting on behalf of an authority figure, we may feel less personal responsibility for our actions.

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Legitimacy of Authority

A theory that suggests we are more likely to obey individuals with perceived control over us.

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Dispositional Explanation

Explanations for behaviour that emphasize the personality traits of an individual.

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Authoritarian Personality

A personality type characterized by a strong tendency to obey authority.

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Resistance to Social Influence

The ability to resist social pressures to conform or obey.

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Social Support

The presence of others who resist conformity or obedience can encourage others to do the same.

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Locus of Control (LOC)

The perception of control we have over our own lives.

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Minority Influence

When a small group influences others to adopt their beliefs or practices.

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Study Notes

Conformity

  • Conformity is changing behavior or opinions due to real or imagined group pressure.
  • Group size influences conformity, but a larger group size doesn't always correlate to a greater degree of conformity; reaching a plateau at 3.
  • Unanimity (agreement) within the group strongly impacts conformity, with complete agreement from the majority eliciting the highest conformity rates.
  • Task difficulty increases conformity, as individuals assume the majority is more likely correct on complex issues.

Types of Conformity

  • Internalisation: Deep, long-lasting change towards group belief (internal agreements).
  • Identification: Conformity to a group for social approval (external agreement).
  • Compliance: Public agreement with a group, privately disagreeing (temporary behaviours).

Social Influence Theories

  • Informational social influence (ISI): Conformity based on belief the majority is correct.
  • Normative social influence (NSI): Conformity based on seeking social approval and liking.

Obedience

  • Obedience is complying with a direct order from an authority figure.
  • Situational variables (e.g., proximity, location) impact obedience.
  • Agentic state: Individuals act as agents for an authority figure, dismissing personal responsibility.
  • Legitimacy of authority: Obedience is more likely when authority figures are seen as legitimate.

Dispositional Explanations

  • Authoritarian personality: A personality type characterized by obedience and deference to authority.

Resistance to Social Influence

  • Social support: Presence of others resisting reduces conformity or obedience.
  • Locus of control (LOC): Internal LOC (belief in personal control) shows greater resistance to social influence than external LOC (belief external forces control outcomes).
  • Minority influence: Small groups can influence a larger group over time. Successful methods involve consistency, commitment, and flexibility within the minority group.

Social Influence and Change

  • Social influence is the overall impact individuals and groups have on others' attitudes and behaviors.
  • Social change happens when whole societies shift their attitudes, beliefs, and ways of doing things.

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Description

This quiz explores the concept of conformity, its types, and the theories of social influence. You will learn how group size, unanimity, and task difficulty affect conformity, as well as the distinctions between internalisation, identification, and compliance. Test your knowledge on how social dynamics shape behavior and opinions.

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