Lecture 2 - Social Influences

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

The change of beliefs, opinions, and behaviors in the direction shown by others as a result of what we perceive they believe or do.

Question 2

Majority Effect

Answer 2

When the prevailing beliefs of a social group take precedence over the minority beliefs and encourage conformity to the majority beliefs.

Question 3

Informational Influence

Answer 3

The change in belief or behavior that occurs when we conform to those whom we believe have accurate information.

Question 4

Normative Influence

Answer 4

The change in belief or behavior that occurs when we conform in order to stave off judgment, social isolation, or rejection. Conformity that occurs when we crave acceptance by the group.

Question 5

Minority Influence

Answer 5

When the beliefs of the minority in a social group manage to prevail and encourage conformity in the majority.

Question 6

Obedience

Answer 6

Submission to the commands of a superior; acting in accord with the dictates provided by an authority figure.

Question 7

Compliance

Answer 7

When an individual superficially changes his or her behavior in response to an explicit or implicit request made by another person.

Question 8

Identification

Answer 8

A form of personality conversion in which the individual gradually assimilates the thoughts and beliefs of another individual or of a group.

Question 9

Internalization

Answer 9

A form of personality conversion that has entered into an integrating phase, in which the individual begins to adopt the beliefs and values of another individual or of a group. This leads to an enduring change in personality, thereby an enduring change in behavior.

Question 10

Agentic State

Answer 10

A concept offered up by Milgram that describes a passive state of obedience whereby an individual acts as a dronelike medium for an authority figure.

Question 11

Conversation Analysis

Answer 11

An approach to the study of social interaction that draws on recordings and natural observations of interaction; is concerned with the norms, practices, and competences underlying the organization of social interaction.

Question 12

Coercion

Answer 12

The efforts of persuasion (usually unethical) intended to convince someone to act on another’s behalf.

Question 13

“Banality of Evil”/Lucifer Effect

Answer 13

The theory, originating with Philip Zimbardo, that claims the influence of groups on behavior is at the root of evil actions.

Question 14

Identity Leadership

Answer 14

The influence on a group held by a leader defined by marked levels of power, genius, prestige, etc.