Social Comparison Theory and Its Effects

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Questions and Answers

How does majority influence affect individual decision-making in groups?

Promotes conformity among members. (correct)

Reduces the need for group cohesion.

Encourages independent thinking.

Facilitates a deeper analysis of issues.

What is a key characteristic of messaging from minority groups?

Focuses solely on majority compliance.

Relies on conformity to be persuasive.

Requires strict dogmatism to be effective.

Benefits from being flexible and consistent. (correct)

What type of thinking do majority groups typically promote?

Convergent thinking. (correct)

Analytical thinking.

Critical thinking.

Divergent thinking.

What is one potential outcome of exposure to minority messages?

Unintentional conversion of related attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

How are minorities typically perceived within group dynamics?

As non-threatening and insightful. Signup and view all the answers

What do descriptive norms indicate?

Typical behaviors of people in a specific situation. Signup and view all the answers

Which persuasion technique involves making a large request followed by a smaller one?

Door-in-the-face technique Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the concept of minority influence?

The ability of a small group to sway the majority's opinions or behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

How does the foot-in-the-door technique work effectively?

It begins with a small request, paving the way for larger commitments. Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon explains heightened performance when individuals perform in front of others?

Social facilitation Signup and view all the answers

In the context of power, what does behavioral control through domination entail?

Directing the actions of others based on authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lowball technique in persuasion?

To change the terms after commitment has been made. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does group polarization have on group discussions?

Group members tend to adopt more extreme opinions. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily motivates individuals to conform to social norms?

Desire for acceptance and fitting in Signup and view all the answers

Which type of influence leads individuals to accept information from knowledgeable sources?

Informational influence Signup and view all the answers

How does dissent within a group affect overall conformity?

It reduces overall conformity Signup and view all the answers

What does group polarization refer to in the context of group discussions?

The shift towards more extreme viewpoints to align with group norms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the meta-contrast principle?

It highlights differences between in-group and out-group members Signup and view all the answers

What effect might an intuitive group have on an individual's behavior?

It provides clear norms that guide thoughts and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to the depersonalization of out-group members?

Viewing in-group members as prototypes Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most significant in driving individuals towards conformity when they are under observation?

Social pressure supersedes personal beliefs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leon Festinger associated with lateral comparisons
Objective sources of comparison are rare
Drive toward uniformity in groups
Comparisons to similar others lead to conformity
Small groups become more similar over time

People engage in downward social comparison to feel better about themselves.
This often occurs when self-esteem is threatened.
Example: Comparing grades or job status with someone doing worse.

Upward comparisons are made to seek improvement.
Exposure to idealized lifestyles on social media.
Consistent upward comparisons can result in a contrast effect.
The contrast effect lowers self-esteem.
Feelings of inadequacy arise from unattainable standards.
Choosing a comparison source who is better but attainable encourages continued effort.

Value Enhancement

Value enhancement combines the desire to feel good with the need for accurate self-evaluation.
People prefer comparison sources where they feel slightly superior.

For objective tasks: compare with dissimilar others.
For subjective tasks: compare with similar others.

Bystander Effect

Definition: People are less likely to help in emergencies when others are present.
Help is more likely if a person is alone.
Causes of the bystander effect include diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance.

Emotional expression can be inhibited in public settings.
People may suppress emotions when others are present.

Definition: Tendency to slack off in group situations.
Some individuals rely on others to do the work.

Arousal levels can impact behavior in social situations.
Uncertainty about how to behave leads to looking for normative cues.
Example: Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals assume others' inaction means the situation isn't a problem.
Incorrect assumptions about social norms

Diffusion of responsibility.
People feel less compelled to act when in a group.
Evaluation apprehension
Fear of looking bad or being judged by others.

Definition of social facilitation: Performing better in front of others due to physiological arousal.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of Social Comparison Theory, including the concepts of downward and upward social comparisons and their impact on self-esteem. Understand how these comparisons contribute to feelings of conformity, inadequacy, and the pursuit of improvement through value enhancement.