Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between public conformity and private conformity?
Which factor has been shown to significantly increase conformity according to the provided information?
In Milgram’s experiment, which of the following primarily influenced participants' levels of obedience?
What is a key factor that enhances a minority group's ability to influence the larger majority?
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Which cultural orientation has been associated with higher rates of conformity?
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What is an effect of responsibility diffusion observed in Milgram's studies?
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Which strategy used by a minority can lead to significant social change?
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How does group cohesion affect the likelihood of conformity?
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What type of conformity involves individuals changing their behavior but not their internal beliefs?
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What role does the minority's commitment play in influencing the majority?
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Study Notes
Social Influence
Conformity
- Definition: Adjusting one’s behavior or beliefs to match those of others, often due to real or imagined group pressure.
- Types:
- Public Conformity: Changing behavior to fit in while potentially maintaining private beliefs.
- Private Conformity: Genuine change in beliefs; internalizing group norms.
- Factors Affecting Conformity:
- Group size: Conformity increases with group size, peaking around 3-5 members.
- Unanimity: Higher conformity when the group is unanimous.
- Cohesion: Stronger group bonds lead to greater conformity.
- Status: Individuals may conform more to those perceived as higher status.
- Culture: Collectivist cultures show higher conformity rates than individualistic cultures.
Obedience
- Definition: Following direct commands from an authority figure.
- Key Study: Milgram’s Experiment (1961)
- Objective: Explore obedience to authority.
- Findings: High levels of obedience even when actions conflicted with personal conscience.
- Factors Influencing Obedience:
- Proximity of authority figure: Closer presence increases obedience.
- Legitimacy of authority: Perceived legitimacy enhances obedience.
- Responsibility diffusion: Participants felt less personal responsibility when authority took charge.
Minority Influence
- Definition: When a smaller group (minority) influences the beliefs or behaviors of a larger group (majority).
- Key Factors:
- Consistency: Persistent and consistent messages from the minority are more influential.
- Commitment: Demonstrating dedication to a cause enhances minority influence.
- Flexibility: Being open to compromise can make the minority more persuasive.
- Social Change: Minorities can lead to significant societal shifts when gaining traction.
- Examples: Historical cases include civil rights movements and suffragette movements, where minorities challenged the majority viewpoint and instigated change.
Conformity
- Adjusting behavior or beliefs to align with others, influenced by group pressure.
- Public Conformity involves changing behavior for social acceptance while keeping private beliefs intact.
- Private Conformity reflects true internalization of group norms and beliefs.
- Conformity is influenced by group size, with notable increases seen at 3-5 members.
- Unanimous agreement within a group heightens conformity levels significantly.
- Stronger group cohesion results in a greater likelihood of conformity among members.
- Individuals are more likely to conform to those recognized as higher status figures.
- Collectivist cultures exhibit higher conformity rates compared to individualistic cultures.
Obedience
- Defined as following commands from an authority figure.
- Milgram’s Experiment (1961) highlighted the extent of obedience individuals would display even against personal morals.
- Obedience levels increase with the authority figure's proximity, suggesting closer presence enhances compliance.
- The perceived legitimacy of authority plays a crucial role in the degree of obedience shown.
- Participants often feel a diffusion of responsibility when an authority figure is in charge, reducing personal accountability.
Minority Influence
- Represents how a smaller group can sway the beliefs and actions of a larger group.
- Consistency in messaging by the minority is critical to its influence on the majority.
- Commitment shown by the minority enhances their persuasive power and impact.
- Flexibility and willingness to compromise can improve the minority's chances of being heard and accepted.
- Minority groups can drive significant social change, leading to shifts in societal norms and values.
- Historical movements, such as civil rights and women’s suffrage, illustrate how minorities can successfully challenge majority perspectives and instigate change.
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Description
Test your understanding of social influence concepts including conformity and obedience. This quiz explores definitions, types of conformity, and key factors that affect compliance with group norms and authority figures. Review Milgram's experiments to understand obedience in social psychology.
