Understanding Conformity, Disrespect, and Altruism in Social Psychology

What is social influence?

Social influence refers to how our thoughts and behaviors are affected by the behavior of others.

What are social norms?

Social norms vary across context, culture, and time, influencing behavior in different settings.

What is the difference between individualistic and collectivist cultures?

Individualistic cultures (e.g., U.S., Canada, Australia) prioritize personal goals, while collectivist cultures (e.g., China, Japan) emphasize group goals.

How is conformity defined in psychology?

Conformity is the extent to which individuals modify their behavior to align with the behavior of others in a group.

What is the bias to copy-when-uncertain?

This bias emerges in childhood and refers to the tendency to imitate others' actions when uncertain about how to behave.

What is diffusion of responsibility?

Diffusion of responsibility occurs when individuals assume that others are responsible for taking action, leading to inaction.

What is pluralistic ignorance?

Pluralistic ignorance is when the majority of group members privately reject a norm but conform to it, believing others accept it.

What is the bystander effect?

The bystander effect describes the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to intervene in an emergency when others are present.

What factors influence conformity?

Factors include social influence, group dynamics, individual motivations, and situational contexts.

What is minority influence?

Minority influence occurs when a smaller group affects the beliefs or behaviors of the majority over time.

What are key components of respect?

Key components include interpersonal sensitivity, accountability, and voice.

What are key components of disrespect?

Key components include a lack of interpersonal sensitivity, accountability, and voice.

What are internal responses to disrespect?

Responses can include moralistic anger, lowered self-esteem, depression, and self-derogation.

What is the purpose of retaliation in response to disrespect?

Retaliation helps restore the victim's self-image and signals intolerance of disrespectful treatment.

What is proactive withdrawal in response to disrespect?

Proactive withdrawal involves noncompliance with rules and refusal to prioritize the goals of the disrespectful person.

What is altruism?

Altruism involves putting the needs of others before one's own without expecting personal gain.

What is reciprocal altruism?

Reciprocal altruism refers to the practice of helping others with the expectation of mutual benefit in the future.

What does the reciprocity norm dictate?

The reciprocity norm dictates that if others help us, we should provide something in return.

What is the significance of the Bobo Doll Experiment?

The Bobo Doll Experiment tested observational learning and aggression in children, demonstrating the impact of modeled behavior.

What factors should be considered when designing an experiment to test the Bobo Doll results?

Consider variables (dependent, independent, controlled), sample size, method, and how to measure the variables.

What is the role of a sincere apology in addressing disrespect?

A sincere apology includes acceptance of responsibility, expression of remorse, and a promise to avoid future violations.

What does it mean to explain the perpetrator's state of mind in reducing the impact of disrespect?

It means understanding that less offense is taken when behavior occurs under mitigating circumstances.

How can conformity be beneficial?

Conformity can promote social harmony and cohesion, helping individuals navigate complex social environments.