Exam 2

Question 1

What is conformity?

Answer 1

When we act differently in response to real or imagined pressure from others

Question 2

What are examples of positive vs. negative conformity?

Answer 2

Positive: Cohesion within a group, Facilitates cooperation, Helps promote safety, Learn norms & practices
Negative: Loss of individuality, Can lead to poor decision-making, Peer pressure, Inhibition of personal growth

Question 3

What are Sherif’s studies of norm formation focused on?

Answer 3

Do social norms develop when making judgments under uncertainty?

Question 4

What did Asch’s studies demonstrate about conformity?

Answer 4

People conform to groups even when they know they are wrong

Question 5

What factors influence conformity according to Asch’s study?

Answer 5

Group size, Anonymity, Presence of dissenting voice

Question 6

What are the psychological effects that increase obedience?

Answer 6

• ‘Slippery slope’ of small requests that escalate
• Opportunity to deny responsibility
• Limited time to reflect on the decision
• Framing of shock-giving as a social norm

Question 7

What ethical concerns are associated with Milgram’s experiment?

Answer 7

• Caused severe emotional distress
• No informed consent
• Participants were deceived about their purpose
• Altered self-concept

Question 8

What are the key takeaways from classic studies on conformity?

Answer 8

• Status matters
• Judgment insecurity matters
• Public vs. private response matters

Question 9

What factors affect conformity?

Answer 9

• Group size
• Presence of an ally
• Prior commitment
• Commitment to the group
• Cultural norms

Question 10

What is the role of dissent in conformity?

Answer 10

Dissent lessens effects of conformity, allowing individuals to see/believe/act differently

Question 11

What causes cognitive dissonance in conformity?

Answer 11

Conformity can create discomfort when we know the group is wrong

Question 12

What is normative influence?

Answer 12

Changing behavior to fit in

Question 13

What is informational influence?

Answer 13

Changing behavior because you have more information

Question 14

What predisposes certain individuals to conform?

Answer 14

• High need for approval
• Lower self-esteem
• Belief that outcomes are influenced by external forces
• Younger age

Question 15

What is reactance?

Answer 15

People resist or reject perceived threats to their freedom or autonomy

Question 16

What are the positive aspects of conformity?

Answer 16

• Cohesion within a group
• Facilitates cooperation
• Helps promote safety
• Learn norms & practices

Question 17

What are the negative aspects of conformity?

Answer 17

• Loss of individuality
• Can lead to poor decision-making
• Peer pressure
• Inhibition of personal growth

Question 18

How can we resist conformity?

Answer 18

• Self-awareness
• Critical Thinking
• Building Confidence
• Learning to say ‘No’
• Surrounding ourselves with positive people

Question 19

What is persuasion?

Answer 19

The process by which a message induces change in beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors

Question 20

What is the central route in persuasion?

Answer 20

Occurs when people focus on the arguments and respond with favorable thoughts

Question 21

What is the peripheral route in persuasion?

Answer 21

Occurs when people are influenced by incidental cues, such as a speaker’s attractiveness

Question 22

What are key features of a persuasive communicator?

Answer 22

• Credible
• Attractive & Charismatic
• Relatable
• Confident
• Pure intentions

Question 23

What are the seven persuasion principles?

Question 24

What is the difference between primacy and recency effects?

Answer 24

• Primacy = information presented early
• Recency = information presented last

Question 25

What is social loafing?

Answer 25

Tendency for people to exert less effort when pooling their effort toward a common goal

Question 26

What factors can reduce social loafing?

Answer 26

* Individual contributions are identifiable * Task is challenging, appealing or involving * People are identified

Question 27

What is deindividuation?

Answer 27

When a personal identity & values are replaced by those of the group

Question 28

What are the key components of deindividuation?

Answer 28

* Group size * Anonymity * Arousing & distracting activities * Diminished self-awareness

Question 29

What is group polarization?

Answer 29

Group decisions become more extreme toward group norm

Question 30

What is groupthink?

Answer 30

The mode of thinking that occurs when concurrence-seeking becomes dominant, overriding realistic appraisal of alternatives

Question 31

How can groupthink be prevented?

Answer 31

* Create norms for critical analysis * Leader refrains from expressing opinion * Seek and welcome critique from outside experts

Question 32

What are the types of leadership?

Answer 32

* Task leadership * Social leadership * Transformational leadership

Question 33

What does a leader do in terms of expressing opinion?

Answer 33

Leader refrains from expressing opinion ## Footnote This approach helps to maintain an unbiased group dynamic.

Question 34

What should leaders seek and welcome from outside experts?

Answer 34

Critique ## Footnote External critique can provide valuable insights and improve decision-making.

Question 35

What did Myers & Kaplan (1976) study in relation to group decision-making?

Answer 35

Simulated Jury Decisions ## Footnote This study provides insights into how juries may reach decisions in a group setting.

Question 36

Does the majority always rule in group decisions?

Answer 36

No ## Footnote The minority can influence the group under certain conditions.

Question 37

What factors can enable minority influence in group decision-making?

Answer 37

* Consistency * Not self-interested * Respectful but confident ## Footnote These traits can help minority voices to be more persuasive.

Question 38

What is a notable characteristic of a lone defector from the majority?

Answer 38

Tends to be more persuasive than a consistent minority voice ## Footnote This suggests that individuals who break from the majority can have a strong impact.

Question 39

What is leadership defined as?

Answer 39

Process by which certain group members motivate and guide the group ## Footnote Leadership is crucial for effective group functioning.

Question 40

What are the two types of leadership mentioned?

Answer 40

* Task leadership * Social leadership ## Footnote These types address different aspects of guiding group dynamics.

Question 41

What is transformational leadership?

Answer 41

A leadership style that inspires and motivates group members to achieve more ## Footnote Transformational leaders often create a vision that encourages change.

Question 42

How do groups change the process of decision-making?

Answer 42

Groups change the process of decision-making by addressing multiple needs ## Footnote Understanding these needs is crucial for effective group dynamics.

Question 43

What is important to recognize in terms of group dynamics for decision making?

Answer 43

Multiple needs that groups serve ## Footnote Recognizing these needs helps to navigate group dynamics effectively.

Question 44

How should groups be structured to enhance decision-making?

Answer 44

So that they are 'more better' than 'more worse' ## Footnote Effective group structure can lead to improved outcomes.

Question 45

When is Exam 2 scheduled?

Answer 45

February 27 ## Footnote This is a reminder for students to prepare for the exam.

Question 46

Which chapters cover social influence?

Answer 46

* Conformity & Obedience (Ch. 6) * Persuasion (Ch. 7) * Group Influence (Ch. 8) ## Footnote These chapters provide a deeper understanding of social influence in group settings.