Module 75 Flashcards
What is situational attribution?
Behavior related to something in the situation, not in your disposition or personality
This concept highlights how external factors can influence behavior.
What is the actor/observer difference?
We tend to find internal causes for other people’s behavior while looking beyond ourselves
This difference explains the bias in how we interpret our actions versus those of others.
Define conformity.
Adjusting our behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard
Conformity can occur even when one does not personally agree with the group’s views.
When are we likely to conform?
We are likely to conform when:
* Made to feel incompetent/insecure
* Group with at least three people
* Admire the group’s status/attractiveness
These factors increase the likelihood of conformity in social situations.
What is normative social influence?
Influence resulting from a person’s desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval
This type of influence often leads individuals to conform to group norms.
What is informational social influence?
Influence resulting from one’s willingness to accept others’ opinions about reality
This occurs when individuals look to the group for guidance in ambiguous situations.
What is automatic mimicry?
The tendency to automatically copy other people’s expressions, body language, and voice without realizing it
This phenomenon often occurs in social interactions and can foster rapport.
What did Stanley Milgram’s experiments demonstrate?
People often obey orders even if it means hurting someone, proving that strong social pressure can make ordinary people do harmful things
These experiments revealed the extent of obedience to authority.
When is obedience strongest?
Obedience is strongest when:
* Person giving orders is close and seen as an authority figure
* Linked to a respected institution
* Felt distant/less personal
These conditions create an environment where individuals are more likely to comply with commands.
