Social Influence - Psychology

• What is social influence?

  Individuals changing their behavior because of others.
• What is conformity?

  A change in a person’s behavior or opinions due to real or imagined pressure from others.
• What are the three levels of conformity according to Herbert Kelman?

  1. Internalisation: Permanent change in behavior and beliefs.
  2. Identification: Temporary change to fit in with a group.
  3. Compliance: Superficial change that stops when social pressure ceases.
• What is internalisation in conformity?

  A person taking on the values of a group, leading to a permanent change.
• How does identification differ from internalisation?

  Identification is a temporary change in behavior to fit in, while internalisation is a permanent change.
• What is compliance in the context of conformity?

  The weakest form of conformity, involving a superficial change in behavior.
• What are the two explanations for conformity?

  1. Normative Social Influence: Conforming to gain social approval or avoid rejection.
  2. Informational Social Influence: Conforming to gain knowledge, especially in ambiguous situations.
• What is normative social influence?

  Conforming to gain social approval or acceptance and avoid rejection.
• In what situations does informational social influence typically occur?

  In crisis or ambiguous situations where individuals want to be deemed 'right'.
• What did Asch's 1951 study demonstrate about conformity?


  Participants were likely to conform to the majority even when the answer was obvious.
• What were the three variables investigated in Asch's study?

  Task difficulty, group size, and unanimity.
• What was the aim of Asch's 1951 study?


  To investigate whether people would conform to the majority in obvious situations.
• How many trials did confederates give incorrect answers in Asch's study?

  12 out of 18 trials.
• What percentage of participants conformed at least once in Asch's study?

  75% of the sample conformed at least once.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Asch's study?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by studies like Lucas et al (2006).
  • Provides insights into conformity.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Did not consider individual factors like confidence.
  • Ethical concerns regarding deception.
  • Limited application due to cultural differences.
• What ethical concerns were raised in Asch's study?

  Deception and psychological harm due to public answering.
• What is the Asch Effect?

  The extent to which a participant conforms in ambiguous situations.
• What was the aim of Zimbardo's study?

  To investigate how individuals conform to assigned social roles in a simulated prison environment.
• What were the findings of Zimbardo's study?

  • Guards became enthusiastic and harsh.
  • Prisoners initially rebelled but later became submissive.
  • The study was cut short due to abusive behavior.
• What psychological phenomenon did Zimbardo's study illustrate?

  De-individuation, where individuals lose their personal identity.
• What were the ethical concerns in Zimbardo's study?

  Psychological harm and lack of right to withdraw.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Zimbardo's study?

  Strengths:

  • Random assignment increased control.
  • Practical applications led to prison reforms.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lack of realism in the simulation.
  • Individual differences affected behavior.
• What is the difference between internal and external validity?

  Internal validity assesses if the study measures what it intends, while external validity assesses applicability to the real world.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of explanations for conformity?

  Strengths:

  • Good research support for ISI and NSI.
  • NSI applies to historical events.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficult to differentiate between ISI and NSI.
  • Cannot explain resistance to conformity.
• What is obedience in social influence?

  A form of social influence where an individual follows a direct order from an authority figure.
• What factors affect obedience?

  • Social status of authority figures.
  • Logical rationale for obedience.
  • Punishment/reward incentives.
  • Upbringing and dispositional factors.
  • Situational factors like uniform.
• What was the aim of Milgram's study in 1963?

  To investigate how far individuals would go in obeying authority figures, even when asked to harm others.
• How many participants were involved in Milgram's study?

  40 male participants aged 20-50.
• What was the procedure of Milgram's study?

  Participants were instructed to administer shocks to a learner for incorrect answers.
• What ethical concerns were raised in Milgram's study?

  Deception and psychological harm due to stress and anxiety.
• What are the real-world applications of conformity and obedience research?

  • Understanding group behavior in social settings.
  • Informing policies in education and governance.
  • Addressing issues of extremism and manipulation.
• What are the factors affecting obedience?

  Social status, rationale, positions of power, punishment/reward, upbringing/dispositional factors, and situational factors
• How does social status affect obedience?

  People who are superior in a social hierarchy tend to receive greater obedience
• What role does rationale play in obedience?

  Conviction and persuasion towards obedience increase when a logical reason is provided
• How do positions of power influence obedience?

  Positions of power within institutions can validate authority and increase obedience levels
• What motivates obedience through punishment and reward?

  Punishment and reward can serve as great motivators or incentives to obey
• How do upbringing and dispositional factors affect obedience?

  Factors like nAffiliators and personality traits of independence can influence rebellious attitudes
• What situational factor can influence obedience?

  Your response to the first authority figures can affect your obedience
• What does a uniform symbolize in terms of authority?

  A uniform acts as a symbol of legitimate authority
• What was the aim of Milgram's study in 1963?

  To investigate how far individuals would go in obeying authority figures, even when asked to harm others