IB Psychology Social Influence 3.1 - 3.6 March 2025

What is conformity? What is normative social influence?

Conformity is acting in a way that is socially acceptable and to follow social norms. Normative social influence is the pressure to conform to social norms in hopes of being accepted by a particular group.

How does Asch's study demonstrate the effects of normative social influence on behavior?

Normative social influence may have caused individuals to conform to what the majority considered to be the correct answer, even if they initially knew they were correct. They were quick to draw the conclusion that they were wrong and the group was right, likely because they may have not wanted to be the "odd ones out".

How can Asch's results be explained in a way that shows group pressure might not cause conformity?

A possible explanation for why they conformed can be attributed to the political landscape in the 1950's, where America was very conservative and conformity was expected. America was also involved in an anti-communist witch-hunt against anyone who was thought to hold sympathetic left-wing views. This could have further discouraged any sort of peculiar non conformities.

What is a "cultural dimension"?

A set of cultural values held by a particular cultural group.

How do the cultural values of individualism and collectivism differ?

Individualism:

- I.

- Focuses on independence and taking care of your immediate family.

- Encourages making your own decisions and self expression.

Collectivism:

- We.

- Identity is defined by belonging to a group along with their relationship to that group as oppose to individual achievements.

- Group harmony is imperative, and conformity may be encouraged.

How could the sample of Hofstede's original research influence it's generalizability?

The sample takes the form of IBM employees, who work for a multi billion dollar hardware company spread out throughout the globe. Presumably, these employees are very well educated leading them to be hired by IBM. But how much can we generalize this to a more average socioeconomic group in those respective countries?

What were the methods and results of Berry's (1967) and Bond and Smith's (1996) studies on culture and conformity?)

Berry (1967):

Berry compared two cultures of different methods of food gathering, where one focused on hunting and gathering (the Temme people of Sierra Leone) while the other focused on agriculture (Inuit in Northern America). Results showed that the Temme had higher rates of conformity due to their emphasis on farming, so they heavy amounts of cooperation to survive. On the other hand, the Inuit rely on a more independent method of gathering food so cooperation among the whole group is not as much of a necessity.

Bond and Smith (19966):

The two used surveys to measure the individualism-collectivism rating of 17 different countries. They then proceeded to collect results from 133 studies conducted in those countries using the Asch Paradigm. Results showed a correlation between the cultural values of individualism-collectivism and rates of conformity. Individualistic countries such as the U.S, U.K, and France demonstrated lower conformity levels than countries such as Hong Kong and Brazil.

How might cultural values influence conformity?

Collectivist values may influence an individual's thinking when put in situations like the Asch paradigm procedure. A person who has been raised to value thoughts and opinions of the group and to put group relations before their individual beliefs and opinions, may be reluctant to speak out against the group. People raised to have values more associated with individualism, on the other hand, may be less inclined to worry about what others might think of them if they were to voice their own opinion.

What is enculturation?

The process of being enveloped and surrounded by cultural influences that will enable us to understand the cultural norms and values of our primary ("home") culture.

How might enculturation influence our behavior?

Enculturation is when we learn the values of our so called "home culture". We can learn them through our parents, interacting and observing our peers, in our schools, etc. This is when we learn what to values to follow in our lives as apart of a culture along with what is considered to be socially acceptable. As we learn to adopt these values and mannerisms, it will ultimately affects the way we interact with the world.

What is the difference between a "social norm" and a "cultural norm"?

A social norm is what is considered normal in a particular social situation - it's an expected way to act, think, or behave. A cultural norm is a belief shared by a culture on how to think and conduct themselves in any given culture.

What is the difference between high food accumulating societies and low food accumulating societies?

A high food accumulating society might value compliance more than innovation. This is because they want the establish rules and norms that have already been established to work to be followed, for any innovation that proves unsuccessful could have long lasting consequences. A low food accumulating society might encourage this individual initiative because if fails, they can simply revert back to the established method without much consequence.

How might economic factors influence cultural values?

The method of food acquisition for a given society can influence cultural norms by forcing the society to implement values to better help them survive.

What cultures include aspects of both high and low food accumulation?

Many modern day societies incorporate aspects of both high and low food accumulation cultures, because of trade we can access food from everywhere and send food everywhere.

What were the methods and results of Barry et al's (1959) study on parenting practices and economic systems?

They identified different types of child training practices for kids from around 5 years old until adolescence. Their categories were based on the values and characteristics that were the focus of child training. they measured a range of areas related to child training, including obedience, responsibility, self-reliance, achievement and independence. In other words, they wanted to know if there was a relationship between a culture's primary economic system (pastoral, fishing, etc.,) and how they raised their children.

How might enculturation influence behavior?

Enculturation is when we learn the values of our so called "home culture". We can learn them through our parents, interacting and observing our peers, in our schools, etc. This is when we learn what to values to follow in our lives as apart of a culture along with what is considered to be socially acceptable. As we learn to adopt these values and mannerisms, it will ultimately affects the way we interact with the world.

What factors could influence the generalizability of this study? (et al 1959)

The time period, essentially how could we apply a study conducted in 1959 to the modern industrial era?

What is acculturation? What are the four approaches to acculturation?

Acculturation is how an individual changes as a result of interaction and contact with a new culture. There are four main types of acculturation.

Assimilation - Not wishing to maintain their original culture's norms or values and choosing to adapt the values and norms of their new culture.

Separation - Rejecting the new culture that they're living in and develop a stronger sense of their original cultural identity.

Integration - To maintain their original culture and participate in the new culture

Marginalization - The rejection of one's culture of origin and the dominant host culture.

How can acculturation influence acculturative stress?

It can be very hard to move into a new culture with customs and languages that are unfamiliar to you. The pressure to adapt too quickly can result in anxiety or depression.

To what extent is it the acculturation that is causing acculturative stress?

Perhaps pre existing anxiety or mental disorders can affect how one reacts when moving into a new environment, let alone a new culture.

What were the methods and results of Torres et al.'s (2012) study on acculturation, discrimination and acculturative stress?

A sample of people was collected and given a questionnaire accessing the degree of which Latinos were affected by acculturation, discrimination and acculturative stress? Results showed that those with a higher perceived discrimination also experienced higher acculturative stress and in turn higher psychological distress. And those who were more integrated into mainstream culture and had higher English skills had a lower level of accumulative stress.

How can acculturation have an effect on behavior?

The results can be negative in the case of acculturative stress, but can also be positive with the experiences gained if one attempts integration.

How might population validity be an issue in Torres et al.'s study?

In some areas of the United States, there might not be such a strong presence of Latinos, while in others it may be very strong. It also does not account for potential differences in upbringing, previous experiences and living locations, and ancestry.

What were the methods and results of the Robber's Cave experiment?

The Robbers Cave experiment created two groups of boys who were similar to each other and created scenarios that would force the groups to compete for scarce resources. The results showed that once resources became scarce, competition arose soon after.

How does the Robber's Cave experiment support the central hypothesis of RCT?

It showed how conflict arose between two groups when put in scenarios where both wanted a resource that was scarce.

How did Sherif et al.'s sample control for confounding variables.

He selected boys who were very similar to each in race, upbringing, and religion to prevent those variables from potentially effecting the results of the experiment.

What is the central claim of realistic group conflict theory?

RCT attempts to explain how conflict could emerge as a result of competition between groups for resources (Sherif et al., 1961). Competition occurs when groups are opposed against one another to obtain scarce resources. This competition can easily lead to conflict. When one group can only achieve its goals through the failure of another group, this is called negative interdependence.

How is testosterone related to competition?

Testosterone is correlated with motivation to deal with a threat and it may help prime the body physically to deal with a confrontation, because the activation of the amygdala may spark the fight or flight response and provide the physiological and emotional arousal necessary to confront a threat. In the context of a competition, the opposing force or team may be a threat because it would potentially deprive one of resources. An increase in testosterone in this context would facilitate the physical and mental processes required to be successful in competition.

How might an increase in an individual's testosterone level facilitate competition for resources?

Because it could facilitate the changes our body makes in response to a threat and how to deal with it. The change in testosterone could occur in two opposing forces that are ready to face each other in competition for resources.

How do biological and social variables interact in competition?

The social is the perceived threat and our motivation to deal with it. The biological is the increase in testosterone to facilitate our bodies preparation to deal with such a threat. In a competition only one force can come out on top so both will try to best the other.

What is the "contact hypothesis"?

Contact hypothesis outlines some conditions that are required in order for contact between in-groups and out-groups to reduce conflict. According to the contact hypothesis, contact can reduce conflict and prejudice when four conditions are met:

1.Groups are of equal status.

2.They share are a common goal.

3.Their interaction (contact) is supported by social norms and there is support from an authority for the contact (e.g. it is supported by law, a teacher's expectations, an authority figure, etc.)

4.#ere is no competition between the groups.

What does RCT claim about conflict and cooperation?

It outlines the conditions required to start either conflict or cooperation, negative and positive goal interdependence.

How does the Robber's Cave experiment support the contact hypothesis for reducing intergroup conflict?

It introduced a goal that required both teams to work together in order to achieve it, showing that a common cause can reduce conflict.

How might the Robber's Cave experiment's generalizability be questioned?

The individual characteristics of the participants, and special cases where cooperation is simply not optional.

What is the jigsaw classroom activity?

The jigsaw classroom is a cooperative classroom strategy, it involves students having to rely on one another for information in order to meet a common goal of doing well on an assessment.

How might cooperative strategies be used to reduce conflict in schools?

They can improve intergroup relations by encouraging cooperation and collaboration between students. Essentially they teach the students to count on one another to meet a superordinate goal. They have also been shown to increase self esteem, academic performance, and attitudes towards school.

To extent would cooperative classroom strategies (like the jigsaw) be applicable beyond classrooms?

College campuses may employ similar methods, but if you were to substitute the information to do well on an assignment with a different motivator, you could employ a jigsaw like method on many different fronts.

What is social categorization?

Social categorization is the cognitive act of distinguishing between in groups and out groups.

Why is social categorization an important process to consider when studying intergroup behavior?

If people didn't think about in-groups and out-groups, the effect of belonging to a group might be minimal or perhaps even non-existent. And, it's impossible to explain intergroup behavior (e.g. conflict, prejudice, discrimination, etc.) without there being established in groups and out groups to interact with in the first place.

How might social categorization explain behaviors such as prejudice, discrimination and/or stereotypes?

Identifying with an in group is often done to raise one's own self esteem, and in some cases talking negatively about an out group may cause people to feel better about themselves and the in group they identify with. They use this to further define their in group against a given out group.

What is social comparison?

Social comparison is the process of making direct comparisons between groups.

How might social comparison influence intergroup behavior(s)?

When you begin to make comparisons between your in group and another out group, that could eventually lead to behaviors such as prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping.

What are some alternative explanations for intergroup behavior(s), such as prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping?

Perhaps past experiences can influence how one see a certain group of people. Another possible explanation could be exposure to such behavior manifesting in a person causing them to act in a similar way. An alternative explanation could be that it can be biologically influenced.

What is the minimal group paradigm?

Thee minimal group paradigm design in an experiment involves participants being randomly assigned to a particular group. The groups are chosen completely arbitrarily, meaning there is no reason for why a participant is put in one group or the other.

What were the methods and results of the minimal group study by Tajfel et al. (1971) and the "basking in reflected glory" study by Cialdini?

Tajfel et al.:

Results showed that participants still favored their own group (in group bias) and discriminated against the out group, boosting their own self esteem in the process. This was done even though they themselves may have had almost nothing in common with their own in groups.

Cialdini:

Results showed that when their football team won, they basked in the reflected glory in order to boost their own self esteem along with identifying with their in group (the collage they went to). On the other hand, if their team lost, they would distance themselves from that group in order to not potentially damage their own self esteem.

How can the self esteem hypothesis be supported by one or more studies?

Tajfel et al.:

Results showed that participants still favored their own group (in group bias) and discriminated against the out group, boosting their own self esteem in the process. This was done even though they themselves may have had almost nothing in common with their own in groups.

Cialdini:

Results showed that when their football team won, they basked in the reflected glory in order to boost their own self esteem along with identifying with their in group (the collage they went to). On the other hand, if their team lost, they would distance themselves from that group in order to not potentially damage their own self esteem.

Are there possible evolutionary explanations for intergroup behaviors that SIT attempts to explain?

A potential explanation could be to increase one's chances at survival by accumulating to a group, which eventually lead to the realization that their own group was different than others.

What is the out-group homogeneity effect?

The out-group homogeneity effect is what happens to an in-group member's perception of the out-group: they begin to see members of the out-group as all being more alike than members of their in-group.

What were the methods and results of Park and Rothbart's (1982) study on sororities?

90 college females on a university campus were asked to judge the similarity of the members of their own sorority (their in-group), as well as the similarities of the members of two other sororities. The results showed that they typically judged the out-group sorority members as being more similar to each other than girls in their own sorority.

How can concepts related to social identity explain the formation of stereotypes?

When we compare ourselves in our respective in groups to other out groups, we tend to see ourselves as more distinct than the members of an outgroup. This results in us seeing them as very similar or completely alike, a stereotype is an evolution of this concept to the next level.

What are the limitations of using the out group homogeneity effect to explain the formation of stereotypes?

It does not address individuals thought patterns and whether or not they over generalize. It also does not account for amounts of exposure between the out group and the in group

What were the methods and results of Phelps et al.'s (2000) fMRI study on implicit racial bias and the brain?

They put participants into an fMRI machine and displayed faces of different colours and ethnicities. They also had them take the IAT test. Results showed that a majority of participants had higher amygdala activation when viewing black faces (racial out group memebers), along with higher implicit racism on the IAT test.

How does this study suggest a correlation between implicit bias and amygdala activation?

Those who were shown to have more implicit racism on the IAT test also had higher Amygdala activation during the fMRI test. In other words there was a positive correlation between implicit racism and stronger amygdala activation.

Why can we not conclude a causal relationship from this study?

Because we cannot simply make conclusions such as "The amygdala causes racism" or "racism increases amygdala activation". We also have a sample group that is not diverse enough from where they actually come from, along with personal though patterns and values.

Temne people have to cooperate, so they learn conformity and compliance from an early age (agricultural values of growing groups and farms relay on co-operation). The Inuits must be able to track and hunt animals and fish on their own (values of independence and innovation), so children in this culture learn independence.

Berry (1967) Conclusion

The modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend. psychological and cultural change that results from blending between cultures

Acculturation

stress resulting from the need to change and adapt a person's ways to the majority culture

acculturative stress

The perspectives of a culture based on values and cultural norms

Cultural Dimensions

widely held beliefs amongst a culture. the worth of something that sustains or helps define a culture

Cultural Value

unjustifiable negative behavior toward a group and its members

Discrimination

behavior that is motivated by the desire to gain social acceptance and approval

normative social influence

preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

Prejudice

123 male American Undergraduates tested

All but one of the participants was a confederate of the researcher. Asch showed a series of lines (standard + possible answers) to the participants. Confederates were instructed to give the same incorrect answer on 12 crtitical trials. 18 trials in total . Used to test conformity

Asch 1955 Method

Meta-analysis of 133 Asch's Paradigm study in 17 different countries around the world.. Individualist societies tend to have a lower rate of conformity (e.g. US, UK, France). Collectivist societies tend to have a higher rate of conformity (e.g. Hong Kong, Fiji, Japan) . Displayed the effect of culture on conformity.

Bond and Smith - Asch's Paradigm with different cultures (Conformity/Culture)

Aim: Research related to enculturation, cross-cultural study on economic systems and child training practices.

Method: Compared 46 cultures from around the world, ranging from low to high food accumulation. Focused on child’s obedience, responsibility, self-reliance, achievement, independence, etc.

Results: High food accumulating cultures placed value on responsibility and obedience training. Low food accumulating cultures placed value on independence, active meats and self reliance.

Barry et al (1959)

An individual loses sense of his or her heritage culture, and completely adapts to the norms and values of their new culture.

Assimilation

Individual adapts to new culture by adopting cultural values and norms but they still have strong connections with their heritage culture

Integration

Individual maintains their heritage culture's norms and values and rejects those of their new culture.

Seperation

Individual loses sense of heritage culture and doesn't adapt to their new culture.

Marginalization

Surveyed 669 Latinos from a range of countries living in Midwest America. Completed questionnaires to measure their acculturative stress, mental health, and experiences of discrimination. Results: positive correlation between discrimination and acculturative stress. individuals that were more integrated had lower levels of acculturative stress.

Torres et al (2012)

behaving in a way that is socially acceptable; following the norms and standards of the social environment

Conformity

changing one's behavior in order to fit in with the norms of their social environment.

Normative social influence

what is considered "normal" in a particular social situation; expected way to think, act or behave.

A Social norm

Asch found that 74% of the subjects conformed at least once, which means that only 26% of the subjects were able to resist the normative social influence and give the right answer even with the pressure of the group

Asch (1955)

set of values held by a particular cultural group. (What the culture thinks is important)

cultural values

giving priority to one's own goals over group goals and defining one's identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications

Individualism

giving priority to the goals of one's group and defining one's identity accordingly

Collectivism

One's adaptation to conformity may be caused by cultural values learned from a young age. Examples Individualist and Collectivist cultures.

Culture and conformity

enveloped and surrounded by cultural influences that will enable us to understand the cultural norms and values of our primary home culture.

Enculturation

information is transmitted to us from various sources, including peers, parents, school, and the media.

Cultural transmission

How might economic factors influence cultural values?

Depending on the economic factors that influence a culture, such has high or low food accumulation, a culture might value different character traits and behaviors. For example, a low food accumulating culture might value initiative because this could lead to new developments and technologies that could be beneficial, and there's little risk. High food accumulating cultures might value obedience because they need to ensure that food is reliably produced and they can't risk making

mistakes because if their crops fail or animals die they suffer long-term consequences (whereas low food accumulating cultures suffer short-term ones).

What is one behavior that enculturation could affect?

Compliance, initiative, independence, conformity, obedience

Why might agricultural economies value compliance?

Their food acquisition relies on using trusted methods and following rules. There's a large risk with trying new or different ideas.

Why might collectivist cultures have higher rates of conformity?

They value group harmony and discourage confrontation.

What type of acculturation is happening: a 16 year old Egyptian girl who moved to the United Arab Emirates when she was 8. She doesn't know much about Emirati culture and doesn't have too much of an interesting in

learning, although she does have Emirati friends and teachers.

Separation

What type of acculturation is happening: a 17 year old American from Florida who moved to Peru with his mother and brother because

of his mother's job. He has started studying Spanish because he wants to be able to meet more people and to go out by himself and experience Peruvian culture. Every Sunday he has friends over at his house and they watch the NFL on TV.

Integration

What type of acculturation is happening: a 15 year old Syrian refugee who has moved from Syria with her family to Italy. She has fallen in love with the Italian culture, include the food, language and the Italian way of life. It worries her parents that Diana has little interest in Syrian culture.

Assimilation

What type of acculturation is happening: a Samoan girl who moved to the United States with her parents when she was four. She has never been back to Samoa and she can't speak the language. She doesn't feel very strong connections with Samoa. She is also having a hard time adjusting to life in America and she often feels like an outsider. She thinks that people treat her differently because she's different.

Marginalization

How can acculturation cause acculturative stress?

If someone experiences discrimination when they're acculturating in a new country, this could lead to acculturative stress. OR that the acculturative strategy used can moderate the effects of discrimination. That is to say, people who

integrate in a new culture suffer less acculturative stress as a result of discrimination.

the ways in which individuals affect groups and the ways in which groups influence individuals and how groups interact with one another.

group dynamics

The behavior is how different groups interact with one another. For example, how rival gangs clash in street fights or how rival schools demonstrate their loyalties in big sports matches

intergroup behavior

group in which someone belongs

in-group

a group in which someone doesn't belong to.

out-group

the theory that conflict and prejudice arises from competition between groups for scarce resources

realistic group conflict theory

a condition that exists when, in order for one person or group to succeed in accomplishing his or her goals, others must fail to meet their goals

negative interdependence

experiment which showed that even arbitrary group distinctions (camp teams) can cause a bitter rivalry and discrimination, thus demonstrating in-group/out-group biases

Robbers Cave Experiment

A threat that comes from another person or group of people (as opposed to a natural threat, like a wild animal).

social threat

The results of this study showed the group with testosterone had more activation in their amygdala when they approached the "angry" faces and the activation was higher than where they approached a "happy" face.

Conclusion: In situations that involve a social threat (angry face) we are more motivated to defend ourselves, thus the testosterone increasing the activation of our amygdala.

Radke et al (2015)

Having groups work together towards a common goal so that both groups must work together to succeed

positive goal interdependence

shared goals that override difference among people and require their cooperation

superordinate goals