Chapter 10: Social Influences on Behaviour Part 2 Flashcards
What does social proximity refer to?
The closeness of two people:
- Physical distance between them
- Closeness of relationship
What does legitimacy of authority figures refer to? Give an example:
Where a person is more likely to be obedient when the authority figure is legitimate and powerful.
Eg. Following the school rules so that the principal will not expel you
List the 7 factors which affect conformity:
- Group size
- Unamity
- Informational influence
- Normative influence
- Culture
- Social loafing
- Deindividuation
What is the effect of group size on conformity?
- Conformity increases with the size of the group, up to a size of 4 people.
- Beyond a group size of 4, conformity does not continue to increase
What is the effect of unanimity on conformity? Give an example:
Complete agreement among group members.
Eg. Participants are lead to believe that they are correct
What is the effect of informational influence on conformity? Give an example:
Occurs when conformity is caused by a person’s need for direction on information on how to respond to a certain situation.
Eg. Two choices of car that are the same price. You choose the car that your friend suggests.
What is the effect of normative influence on conformity and what is it caused by? Give an example:
Occurs when our response in a group situation is guided by one or more social norms. It is caused by our desire to be liked and accepted.
Eg. Social norms, even when you’re in a hurry you still join the back of a queue
What is the effect of culture on conformity? Give an example:
- Cultures, where the achievement of personal goals is placed ahead of group goals, tend to have less conformity.
- Cultures, where group goals are put ahead of personal goals, tend to have higher conformity.
- Eg. Western countries tend to have less conformity than Asian countries.
What is the effect of social loafing on conformity? Give an example:
The tendency of an individual to make less effort when involved in a group activity than working alone.
Eg. Not trying as hard on a group project compared to working alone
What is the effect of deindividuation on conformity? Give an example:
Causes the loss of individuality or the sense of anonymity that can occur in a group situation
-When people feel anonymous they tend to conform to a group, acting in ways they normally wouldn’t
Eg. A person at a concert may get involved with the crowd’s yelling and screaming to conform to everyone else
What does the reciprocity norm prescribe? Give an example:
That we should help others who help us.
Eg. If you help a friend with homework, you would expect them to help them with yours
What does the social responsibility norm prescribe? Give an example:
That we should help those who need help because it is our responsibility or duty to.
Eg. Giving up your seat on a train for the elderly
What is empathy? Give an example:
The ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings or difficulties.
Eg. When someone’s family member died you feel sad for them by remembering when one of your family members died.
What does mood refer to? Give an example:
Where people are more likely to help others when they are feeling good.
Eg. Finding money on the ground and giving it to a homeless person instead of keeping it.
What is competence? Give an example:
Our actual or perceived ability to help can influence whether or not we help in a specific situation, as well as the type of help we may offer.
Eg. If you see someone drowning in a river and you are not a strong swimmer, you might not dive in but may find someone else to help
