Social Influence Overview and Key Studies

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Questions and Answers

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?

Situational variables

Informational influence

Normative influence (correct)

Personal beliefs

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?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What group differences in conformity were suggested by early research?

Women conform more than men. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common reason given by a small minority of participants for conformity in Asch's studies?

They genuinely agreed with the group's perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect contrasts Sherif's studies with Asch's studies?

The clarity of the correct answer Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the influence of personality traits on conformity?

Situational factors may be more important than personality traits. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the Individual Judgements-First Condition over time?

Participants converged on the average group norm. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sherif's study reveal about group judgements?

Group norms influenced later individual judgements. Signup and view all the answers

In Asch's Conformity Research, which aspect of stimuli was highlighted?

Stimuli perceived as unambiguous reduce conformity. Signup and view all the answers

What was the group size in Asch's experiments?

Seven. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the influence of the group judgements phase in Sherif's study?

It shaped participants' later individual estimates. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of observing individuals' judgements after the group condition in Sherif's study?

To assess how group norms affected future individual decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What did Sherif aim to demonstrate through his studies?

The convergence of personal norms towards a group norm under uncertainty. Signup and view all the answers

How did participants respond in the Individual Judgements-First condition?

They initially maintained distinct personal estimates. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Sherif's autokinetic study?

Individual accuracy in judgment under uncertainty Signup and view all the answers

Which theory explains the role of social reference points in individual judgment?

Social comparison theory Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes normative influence from informational influence in the context of social influence?

Normative influence involves conformity to gain acceptance, while informational influence involves seeking accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key outcome observed when participants in Sherif's study made individual judgments first?

They aligned their judgments with majority opinions when later assessed in groups. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research did Milgram conduct that addresses social influence?

Obedience research through authority commands Signup and view all the answers

What does majority influence refer to in the context of social psychology?

The conformity of individuals to the norm established by the majority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the concept of social influence?

An alteration in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors resulting from exposure to others Signup and view all the answers

Which researcher's work focused on the significance of group norms in judgment accuracy?

Sherif Signup and view all the answers

How does conformity differ between individualist and collectivist cultures?

Higher conformity is observed in collectivist cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does social support have on conformity according to Asch's findings?

It decreases conformity when at least one confederate agrees. Signup and view all the answers

Which method is preferred for testing beliefs according to Social Comparison Theory?

Physical reality testing over social reality testing. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant finding in Bond and Smith's meta-analysis on conformity?

Conformity effects varied between participant groups across different countries. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to conformity when faced with one confederate giving an incorrect response?

Conformity decreases significantly. Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Comparison Theory, when are individuals more likely to engage in social comparisons?

When they have a reference group available. Signup and view all the answers

Why might social comparison be essential for making judgments about social norms?

It reduces uncertainty about social reality. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of conformity rates, what did Asch's studies suggest about group size?

Conformity increases but may plateau after reaching a certain group size. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the independent variable in Deutsch and Gerard's 1955 study?

Nature of responses Signup and view all the answers

Which base of power is associated with having superior knowledge?

Expert power Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Deutsch and Gerard's findings, what does informational influence lead to?

True attitude change Signup and view all the answers

In Turner’s critique of dual process theories, what aspect of conformity does he emphasize?

The role of group belongingness Signup and view all the answers

What type of responses were deemed accurate in the Deutsch and Gerard study?

Responses influenced by confederates Signup and view all the answers

What does normative influence primarily result in according to the study?

Public compliance with social norms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six bases of power outlined by French and Raven?

Charismatic power Signup and view all the answers

What limitation is noted regarding dual process theories?

They over-emphasize the role of surveillance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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%).

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.

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.