social influence Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is social influence?
The process by which attitudes and behavior are influenced by others.
What are social norms?
Unwritten rules that guide behavior, enforced by social approval or disapproval.
What did Sherif’s (1936) study show?
That people form group norms in ambiguous situations through informational influence.
What was the autokinetic effect?
A visual illusion where a stationary light appears to move in the dark.
What was Asch’s (1951) study about?
People conforming to clearly wrong group judgments about line lengths.
What was the average conformity rate in Asch’s study?
0.33
What happened to conformity when responses were anonymous in Asch’s study?
It dropped to 12.5%.
What is normative influence?
Conforming to be liked or avoid disapproval, often surface-level compliance.
What is informational influence?
Conforming when unsure, believing others have accurate information.
What is minority influence?
When a consistent, confident minority causes lasting private change.
What was Milgram’s study on obedience?
Participants gave electric shocks under orders from an authority figure.
What percentage of participants went up to the maximum shock in Milgram’s study?
A majority, often cited as around 65%.
What is the agentic state?
When someone gives up personal responsibility, deferring to authority.
What factors influenced obedience in Milgram’s study?
Immediacy of victim/authority, gradual commitment, legitimacy of authority.
What were the ethical issues with Milgram’s study?
Deception, lack of informed consent, and pressure to continue.
