Social Influence and Conformity Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary cognitive goal of conformity?

To engage in unhealthy behaviors

To prevent social isolation

To form accurate knowledge about the world (correct)

To demonstrate leadership skills

How does spontaneous conformity differ from other types of conformity?

It only happens in groups with strong leaders.

It is deliberate and conscious.

It involves a strong desire for social acceptance.

It occurs without awareness of the influence. (correct)

Informational conformity usually leads to what kind of outcome?

Private acceptance of changed beliefs (correct)

Rejection of authoritative figures

Increased social isolation

Superficial acceptance of others' opinions

What can be a consequence of normative conformity?

Engagement in behaviors for social acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of social influence on unhealthy behaviors?

It may lead to participation in unhealthy behaviors due to peer influence. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the process of social comparison in informational conformity?

Comparing personal opinions with those of others Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about conformity and leadership?

Leadership can involve directing others without conforming. Signup and view all the answers

What is likely a primary reason individuals engage in normative conformity?

To gain acceptance and avoid rejection Signup and view all the answers

What does normative conformity primarily involve?

Adhering to socially accepted beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of public conformity?

Superficial change in behavior Signup and view all the answers

In Solomon Asch's conformity experiment, what was the primary conclusion drawn?

Social pressure can greatly influence decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the level of conformity according to the situational determinants of conformity?

The individual's prior beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does minority influence require to be effective?

Consistent unanimous responses Signup and view all the answers

According to the findings by Allen & Levine, what effect does a supporter have on conformity?

Reduces the pressure to conform Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of majority influence?

Dominance of beliefs held by the larger group Signup and view all the answers

What experiment illustrated the concept of the autokinetic effect?

Sherif's Autokinetic Effect Experiment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social influence: Other people's impact on thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Conformity: Change in beliefs, opinions, and behaviors due to perceived beliefs/actions of others.
Conformity reasons:
- Accurate knowledge: Using others' opinions for better decisions.
- Social acceptance: Wanting to be liked and accepted, leading to potentially unhealthy behaviors.

Types of Conformity

Spontaneous/Subtle Conformity: Unconsciously adopting others' behaviors (e.g., liking music because a roommate plays it).
Informational Conformity: Changing opinions/behavior based on perceived expertise. It's often a response to social comparison (comparing opinions to others) to evaluate their validity. Results in private acceptance. Examples: trusting medical professionals, reporters, scientists.
Normative Conformity: Changing opinions or behavior to gain acceptance or avoid isolation. Conforming to social norms (socially accepted beliefs). Results in public conformity (superficial changes in behavior without changing private opinions).

Majority and Minority Influence

Majority Influence: Beliefs of the larger group prevail.
- Sherif's autokinetic effect: Demonstrates how beliefs become shared over time in groups.
- Asch's conformity experiment: Social pressure from a majority can affect individual decisions.
Minority Influence: A smaller group influences the larger group, though less common.
- Moscovici's blue-green studies: Demonstrated minorities can influence majorities with consistent, unanimous responses.

Factors Affecting Conformity

Majority size: Larger majorities exert more pressure.
Majority unanimity: Inconsistency within the majority reduces pressure to conform. Having a supporter weakens pressure from the majority.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on social influence and conformity. Explore the different types of conformity and understand how attitudes and behaviors can change according to social contexts. This quiz will help you evaluate your grasp on concepts related to social acceptance and informational conformity.