Social Influence: Conformity

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Questions and Answers

In the context of social influence, which of the following best describes the outcome of informational social influence (ISI)?

  • Obedience, where individuals follow direct orders from authority figures.
  • Agentic state, where individuals see themselves as agents of an authority figure.
  • Internalization, where individuals publicly and privately agree. (correct)
  • Compliance, where individuals publicly agree but privately disagree.

In Milgram's obedience experiment, situational variables such as the proximity between the teacher and learner had no significant impact on obedience levels.

False (B)

Explain how diachronic and synchronic consistency contribute to the effectiveness of minority influence.

Diachronic consistency refers to a minority group maintaining a consistent position over time, while synchronic consistency refers to agreement among members of the minority group. Both forms of consistency signal conviction and commitment, making the minority view appear more credible and persuasive.

The principle in minority influence where the minority group demonstrates a willingness to suffer for their views, thereby increasing their influence, is known as the ______ principle.

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

Match each concept from social influence with its corresponding description.

<p>Normative Social Influence (NSI) = Conformity based on the desire to be liked and accepted, leading to compliance. Agentic State = Condition where individuals see themselves as agents of an authority figure and do not take personal responsibility. Locus of Control = Belief about the extent to which individuals control their own actions and events in their lives. Snowball Effect = Process by which minority influence gradually gains momentum, leading to widespread social change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between conformity and obedience in the context of social influence?

<p>Conformity involves a change in belief or behavior to fit in with a group, while obedience involves following direct orders from an authority figure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Individuals with an external locus of control are less likely to conform or obey compared to those with an internal locus of control.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concept of 'legitimacy of authority' affects levels of obedience, according to Milgram's research.

<p>Milgram's research indicated that individuals are more likely to obey authority figures who are perceived as legitimate. This legitimacy can be influenced by factors such as the authority figure's uniform, setting, and credentials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Moscovici's blue-green slide experiment, the consistent minority had more influence because they demonstrated both diachronic and ______ consistency.

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

Which of the following accurately describes the 'snowball effect' in the context of minority influence?

<p>The gradual process by which minority influence gains traction and eventually leads to widespread social change. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Social Influence

How individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by others.

Conformity

Changing beliefs/behaviors to fit in with a group.

Normative Social Influence (NSI)

Conformity driven by the desire to be liked and accepted.

Informational Social Influence (ISI)

Conformity resulting from the belief that others are more knowledgeable.

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Obedience

Following a direct order from an authority figure.

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Agentic State

Seeing oneself as an agent of authority, not responsible.

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Resistance: Social Support

Social support leads to less conformity.

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Internal Locus of Control

Belief in controlling your own actions (less likely to conform/obey).

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Minority Influence

Influencing the majority's beliefs/behaviors by a minority group.

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Consistency (Minority Influence)

Effective minority influence requires consistency.

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Study Notes

  • Social influence refers to how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by other people
  • It includes conformity, obedience, and minority influence

Conformity

  • Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior to fit in with a group
  • Normative social influence (NSI) is conformity based on the desire to be liked and accepted
  • It results in compliance, where a person publicly agrees but privately disagrees
  • Informational social influence (ISI) is conformity based on the belief that others have more knowledge
  • It results in internalization, where a person publicly and privately agrees
  • Solomon Asch's line judgment experiment (1951) demonstrated conformity to group pressure
  • Participants conformed on 37% of critical trials
  • 75% of participants conformed at least once
  • Variables affecting conformity were explored by Asch
  • Group size: Conformity increased with group size, up to a point
  • Unanimity: Conformity decreased when the majority was not unanimous
  • Task difficulty: Conformity increased when the task was more difficult

Obedience

  • Obedience is a form of social influence where an individual follows a direct order from an authority figure
  • Stanley Milgram's obedience experiment (1963) investigated the extent to which individuals would obey orders to administer electric shocks to a learner
  • 65% of participants administered the highest shock level (450V)
  • All participants administered shocks up to 300V
  • Situational variables affecting obedience were explored by Milgram
  • Proximity: Obedience decreased when the learner was in the same room as the teacher
  • Location: Obedience decreased when the experiment was conducted in a less prestigious setting
  • Uniform: Obedience decreased when the experimenter was not wearing a lab coat
  • Explanations for obedience
  • Agentic state: Individuals see themselves as agents of an authority figure and do not take personal responsibility
  • Legitimacy of authority: Individuals are more likely to obey authority figures who are perceived as legitimate

Explanations of resistance to social influence

  • Social support: Having allies who resist social influence provides individuals with confidence
  • In Asch's experiment, conformity decreased when one confederate gave the correct answer
  • In Milgram's experiment, obedience decreased when two confederates refused to continue
  • Locus of control: Individuals with an internal locus of control believe they are in control of their own actions, and are less likely to conform or obey
  • Individuals with an external locus of control believe their actions are determined by external forces, and are more likely to conform or obey

Minority influence

  • Minority influence is a form of social influence where a minority group influences the beliefs and behaviors of the majority group
  • Consistency: Minority influence is more effective when the minority group is consistent in their views
  • Both over time (diachronic consistency) and between members (synchronic consistency)
  • Commitment: Minority influence is more effective when the minority group is willing to suffer for their views
  • Flexibility: Minority influence is more effective when the minority group is willing to compromise and be flexible
  • Moscovici's blue-green slide experiment (1969) demonstrated the influence of a consistent minority
  • Participants judged the color of blue slides, with a minority of confederates consistently calling them green
  • The consistent minority had more influence than an inconsistent minority
  • Social change: Minority influence can lead to social change
  • Drawing attention to an issue
  • Cognitive conflict
  • Consistency of position
  • The augmentation principle
  • The snowball effect
  • Lessons from social influence research
  • Conformity research has shown how individuals can be influenced to change their behavior to fit in with a group
  • Obedience research has shown how individuals can be influenced to follow orders from an authority figure
  • Minority influence research has shown how a minority group can influence the beliefs and behaviors of the majority group
  • Applications of social influence research
  • Understanding and preventing atrocities
  • Improving health campaigns
  • Promoting environmental sustainability
  • Methodological issues in social influence research
  • Artificiality of experiments
  • Ethical concerns
  • Cultural bias

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