social influence Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is social influence?
It is the process by which individuals’ thoughts, feelings, or behaviours are affected by the real or implied presence of others (Hogg & Vaughan, 2014).
What are social norms?
Unwritten rules understood by group members that guide behaviour without legal force (Cialdini & Trost, 1998).
How do social norms emerge?
Through social interaction, especially in uncertain situations.
What was the method in Sherif’s (1936) study?
Participants estimated movement of a stationary light (autokinetic effect), alone and in groups.
What did Sherif (1936) find?
Judgements converged to a group norm when in groups, demonstrating informational social influence.
What is informational social influence?
Influence resulting from accepting others’ views as accurate in ambiguous situations.
What was the method in Asch’s (1951) study?
Line judgment task with clear correct answers; confederates gave wrong answers.
What were the results of Asch’s (1951) study?
33% conformed to wrong group answer; conformity dropped to 12.5% when responses were anonymous.
What is normative social influence?
Influence to conform in order to be liked or accepted, especially in unambiguous situations.
What are the two types of social influence in Deutsch & Gerard’s (1955) dual-process model?
Normative (surface compliance) and informational (true internal change).
What is minority influence?
When a small or less powerful group changes the attitudes or behaviours of the majority (Moscovici).
What makes minority influence effective?
Consistency, confidence, and flexibility.
How does majority vs. minority influence differ in process?
Majority influence = public compliance; minority influence = private internalisation (conversion effect).
What was Milgram’s (1963) obedience study?
Participants were instructed to give electric shocks to a confederate; most obeyed authority despite moral conflict.
What is the agentic state in Milgram’s theory?
A mental state where people see themselves as agents executing another’s orders, not personally responsible.
What verbal prods did the experimenter use in Milgram’s study?
“Please continue”; “The experiment requires you to continue”; “You have no choice, you must go on.”
What factors influenced obedience in Milgram’s study?
Victim’s proximity, authority’s presence, legitimacy of setting, and gradual commitment.
What ethical issues did Milgram’s study raise?
Deception, lack of informed consent, pressure to continue, and psychological distress.
