Social Influence in Psychology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to social influence, conformity, obedience, and collective behavior.

Conformity

A type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior to fit in with a group.

Bystander Effect

The phenomenon in which the presence of others discourages an individual from intervening in an emergency.

Deindividuation

A psychological state characterized by a loss of self-awareness and individual accountability in groups.

Social Loafing

The tendency for individuals to put in less effort when part of a group compared to when they are working alone.

Agency Theory

Milgram’s theory that describes how individuals perceive themselves as acting on behalf of others, allowing them to externalize responsibility for their actions.

Authoritarian Personality

A personality type characterized by conformity to authority, rigidity, and aggression towards outgroups.

Normative Conformity

Conforming to a group to gain acceptance or avoid rejection.

Prosocial Behavior

Positive actions intended to help others, such as helping or comforting.

Bystander Intervention

A form of prosocial behavior where individuals offer help to those in need.

Cultural Influence on Obedience

The idea that obedience levels can vary across cultures, with more authoritarian cultures exhibiting higher compliance.