Chapter 7 – Social Influence Glossary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key social influence terms from Chapter 7.

Collective

A large group of people gathered together who do not necessarily interact closely or share strong personal connections.

Collectivist cultures

Cultures that prioritise the needs and goals of the group over those of individuals.

Culture

The customs, behaviours, and values of a particular group that guide and prioritise its collective needs and goals.

Deindividuation

A state in which a person’s identity within a group overrides personal identity and self-awareness.

Group

Two or more people who interact, influence each other, and share a common goal.

Group shift

The tendency for group discussions to lead members toward more extreme attitudes or actions than those initially held by individuals.

Groupthink

Faulty decision-making that occurs when group members strive for agreement and avoid critical evaluation, leading to poor outcomes.

Individualist cultures

Cultures that emphasise individual needs, goals, and independence over group objectives.

Power

An individual’s ability to control or strongly influence the thoughts, feelings, and behaviour of others.

Role

The expected behaviour associated with a person’s position or status within a group or society.

Social influence

The ways people change their behaviour or attitudes due to direct or indirect pressures from others.

Status

The level of importance or prestige a group member is perceived to have by other members.

Obedience

Following the instructions of authority figures or adhering to societal rules and laws.

Proximity

Physical and emotional closeness between two or more people.

Legitimacy of authority figure

Recognition that an individual genuinely holds power in a situation or under the law.

Social norms

Shared rules or values that guide and influence individual behaviour within a group.

Conformity

Adjusting ideas, attitudes, behaviours, or perceptions to align with those of a group one belongs to or aspires to join.

Social connections

The relationships an individual has with people around them.

Social comparison

The process of evaluating ourselves—behaviour, opinions, status, success—by comparing to others.

Addictive behaviours

Compulsive actions, often online, driven by uncontrollable motivation that consume time and impair other life areas, typically linked to dopamine release.

Self-determination

Engaging in behaviour without external social pressures, acting from personal choice.

Self-determination theory

Proposes that once independence is achieved, individuals better control their lives and are less influenced by group behaviours.

Anti-conformity

Deliberate behaviour that actively opposes the position of one or more people.