Social Influence 2

Question 1

What are informational and normative social influences?

Answer 1

Informational influence: Conforming because we believe others have accurate information.

Normative influence: Conforming to be liked or accepted, even if we know it’s wrong.

Question 2

What is minority influence and how does it work?

Answer 2

Minority influence occurs when a small group affects the majority. It requires:
1.consistency,
2.confidence, and
3.appearing unbiased.
Moscovici showed this in his color perception study.

Question 3

What is the dual-process theory of social influence (Deutsch & Gerard, 1955)?

Answer 3

It explains that people conform either because they want to be right (informational influence) or because they want to be liked (normative influence).

Question 4

What is the role of authority in obedience?

Answer 4

Authority increases obedience due to** social conditioning** and** perceived legitimacy, as seen in Milgram’s study and real-life hierarchies like military or hospitals.

Question 5

How does group pressure affect decision-making?

Answer 5

Group pressure can lead to groupthink (Irving Janis-peer pressure thinking), where desire for harmony overrides realistic appraisal, often* leading to poor decisions.*