Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the average conformity rate observed in Asch's experiments?
What was the average conformity rate observed in Asch's experiments?
- 50%
- 33% (correct)
- 25%
- 75%
What factor primarily influenced conformity in Asch's studies?
What factor primarily influenced conformity in Asch's studies?
- Situational variables
- Informational influence
- Normative influence (correct)
- Personal beliefs
Which statement best represents the majority opinion post-experiment in Asch's studies?
Which statement best represents the majority opinion post-experiment in Asch's studies?
- They felt relieved after conforming.
- They conformed due to peer pressure.
- They believed their perceptions were correct.
- They thought their perceptions might have been incorrect. (correct)
In Asch's experiments, what percentage of participants conformed on all 12 trials?
In Asch's experiments, what percentage of participants conformed on all 12 trials?
What group differences in conformity were suggested by early research?
What group differences in conformity were suggested by early research?
What was a common reason given by a small minority of participants for conformity in Asch's studies?
What was a common reason given by a small minority of participants for conformity in Asch's studies?
Which aspect contrasts Sherif's studies with Asch's studies?
Which aspect contrasts Sherif's studies with Asch's studies?
What is suggested about the influence of personality traits on conformity?
What is suggested about the influence of personality traits on conformity?
What was the result of the Individual Judgements-First Condition over time?
What was the result of the Individual Judgements-First Condition over time?
What did Sherif's study reveal about group judgements?
What did Sherif's study reveal about group judgements?
In Asch's Conformity Research, which aspect of stimuli was highlighted?
In Asch's Conformity Research, which aspect of stimuli was highlighted?
What was the group size in Asch's experiments?
What was the group size in Asch's experiments?
Which statement describes the influence of the group judgements phase in Sherif's study?
Which statement describes the influence of the group judgements phase in Sherif's study?
What was the purpose of observing individuals' judgements after the group condition in Sherif's study?
What was the purpose of observing individuals' judgements after the group condition in Sherif's study?
What did Sherif aim to demonstrate through his studies?
What did Sherif aim to demonstrate through his studies?
How did participants respond in the Individual Judgements-First condition?
How did participants respond in the Individual Judgements-First condition?
What is the primary focus of Sherif's autokinetic study?
What is the primary focus of Sherif's autokinetic study?
Which theory explains the role of social reference points in individual judgment?
Which theory explains the role of social reference points in individual judgment?
What distinguishes normative influence from informational influence in the context of social influence?
What distinguishes normative influence from informational influence in the context of social influence?
What is the key outcome observed when participants in Sherif's study made individual judgments first?
What is the key outcome observed when participants in Sherif's study made individual judgments first?
What type of research did Milgram conduct that addresses social influence?
What type of research did Milgram conduct that addresses social influence?
What does majority influence refer to in the context of social psychology?
What does majority influence refer to in the context of social psychology?
Which of the following best encapsulates the concept of social influence?
Which of the following best encapsulates the concept of social influence?
Which researcher's work focused on the significance of group norms in judgment accuracy?
Which researcher's work focused on the significance of group norms in judgment accuracy?
How does conformity differ between individualist and collectivist cultures?
How does conformity differ between individualist and collectivist cultures?
What effect does social support have on conformity according to Asch's findings?
What effect does social support have on conformity according to Asch's findings?
Which method is preferred for testing beliefs according to Social Comparison Theory?
Which method is preferred for testing beliefs according to Social Comparison Theory?
What was a significant finding in Bond and Smith's meta-analysis on conformity?
What was a significant finding in Bond and Smith's meta-analysis on conformity?
What happens to conformity when faced with one confederate giving an incorrect response?
What happens to conformity when faced with one confederate giving an incorrect response?
According to Social Comparison Theory, when are individuals more likely to engage in social comparisons?
According to Social Comparison Theory, when are individuals more likely to engage in social comparisons?
Why might social comparison be essential for making judgments about social norms?
Why might social comparison be essential for making judgments about social norms?
In terms of conformity rates, what did Asch's studies suggest about group size?
In terms of conformity rates, what did Asch's studies suggest about group size?
What was the primary focus of the independent variable in Deutsch and Gerard's 1955 study?
What was the primary focus of the independent variable in Deutsch and Gerard's 1955 study?
Which base of power is associated with having superior knowledge?
Which base of power is associated with having superior knowledge?
In the context of Deutsch and Gerard's findings, what does informational influence lead to?
In the context of Deutsch and Gerard's findings, what does informational influence lead to?
In Turner’s critique of dual process theories, what aspect of conformity does he emphasize?
In Turner’s critique of dual process theories, what aspect of conformity does he emphasize?
What type of responses were deemed accurate in the Deutsch and Gerard study?
What type of responses were deemed accurate in the Deutsch and Gerard study?
What does normative influence primarily result in according to the study?
What does normative influence primarily result in according to the study?
Which of the following is NOT one of the six bases of power outlined by French and Raven?
Which of the following is NOT one of the six bases of power outlined by French and Raven?
What limitation is noted regarding dual process theories?
What limitation is noted regarding dual process theories?
Study Notes
Overview of Social Influence
- Early studies highlight two mechanisms: rational information processing (Sherif) and social pressures leading to irrational conformity (Asch).
- Theories include the Social Comparison Theory by Festinger and the dual-process theory of normative and informational influences (Deutsch & Gerard).
- Milgram’s obedience research adds a crucial dimension on how authority affects conformity.
Definition of Social Influence
- Entails a change in an individual's judgments, opinions, and attitudes due to exposure to others' views.
Majority Influence
- Defined as the tendency to conform to group norms represented by the majority.
- Sherif’s (1936) autokinetic study demonstrated that individuals use the average group position as a reference for accuracy.
Sherif’s Autokinetic Study
- Involves participants estimating the movement of a stationary light in a dark room.
- Results indicate individuals converge their judgments towards the group average over time.
- Shows the effect of prior group norms on subsequent individual judgments even after a year (Rohrer et al., 1954).
Asch’s Conformity Research
- Aimed to demonstrate that conformity decreases with unambiguous stimuli.
- Participants were influenced by confederates who deliberately gave incorrect responses, resulting in 75% conforming on at least one trial.
- Key findings: 33% average conformity rate; individuals often doubted their perceptions or sought social approval.
Comparison of Sherif and Asch Studies
- Sherif: ambiguous answers, calm participants, mainly informational influence.
- Asch: unambiguous answers, anxious participants, emphasizes normative influence leading to public compliance rather than private acceptance.
Factors Influencing Conformity
- Gender Differences: Early studies suggested women conform more; however, later reviews indicate minimal differences possibly due to research bias.
- Personality Traits: Strong social approval needs lead to increased conformity, though situational factors are more significant.
- Cultural Variations: Participants from individualistic cultures conform less compared to those from collectivist cultures (Bond & Smith, 1996).
Variations in Conformity
- Group Size: Increased number of disagreeing individuals dramatically lowers conformity rates.
- Social Support: The presence of any ally who agrees with an individual significantly reduces conformity rates (from 33% to 5.5%).
Social Comparison Theory
- Individuals seek to hold accurate beliefs and use social feedback to assess their judgments, especially in uncertain situations.
- Relying on social comparison is crucial for understanding social norms (e.g., etiquette).
Deutsch and Gerard’s Study (1955)
- Explored the dynamics of public versus private responses amid group pressure, contributing to understanding how certainty influences conformity.
French and Raven’s Model of Social Influence
- Identifies six bases of power affecting social influence: expert, informational, referent, legitimate, reward, and coercive.
- Differentiates between true internalization (private attitude change) and normative influence (public compliance).
Limitations of Dual-Process Theories
- Critiques argue that the distinction between informational and normative influences may overemphasize the role of observation.
- Suggests conformity can occur even without surveillance or social monitoring.
- Highlights the importance of group belongingness in understanding the decision to conform.
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Description
Explore the fascinating mechanisms of social influence, including the early studies by Sherif and Asch. This quiz will delve into major theories like Social Comparison Theory and the findings from Milgram's obedience research. Test your understanding of how group norms and authority shape our judgments and opinions.
