Social Psychology: Conformity, Obedience, and Group Dynamics

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on social psychology, specifically focusing on conformity, obedience, group dynamics, bystander effects, and attitudes.

What was the main finding of Solomon Asch's conformity study?

Subjects conformed to incorrect group answers 37% of the time due to group pressure.

What are the two types of conformity discussed in the lecture?

Informational conformity (conforming because one believes the group is correct) and normative conformity (conforming to avoid disapproval from the group).

How did having a partner affect conformity in Asch's experiment?

When subjects had a partner who also gave the correct response, conformity dropped to only 5%.

What happens to conformity when subjects are allowed to respond privately?

Conformity drops significantly, by two-thirds, because subjects feel less pressure to conform.

What is groupthink?

A mode of thinking in a group that discourages creativity and individual responsibility.

What experiment did Stanley Milgram conduct in the 1960s?

He conducted an experiment on obedience, where participants administered shocks to a confederate learner.

What percentage of Milgram's participants administered the highest shock level of 450 volts?

65% of participants administered the highest shock level.

What role did location play in Milgram's obedience study?

Participants were less obedient when the study was conducted in a less prestigious location, such as a warehouse.

How did the gender of the participant affect obedience in Milgram's study?

In general, female participants were found to be more obedient to male authority figures.

What is the bystander effect?

The phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in an emergency when there are many other people present.

What is the diffusion of responsibility?

The tendency for individuals to feel less responsible for taking action when others are present.

What is a cult from a social psychology perspective?

A group of people who share unusual beliefs and practices, often led by a charismatic leader.

What is the escalation of commitment in relationships?

The tendency to remain committed to a relationship or group even as the negative outcomes increase.

What are the three components of an attitude?

Affective (feelings), behavioral (actions), and cognitive (thoughts) components.