4.1 group dynamics

conformity

when people adjust their thoughts/beliefs to align with others

normative social influence

conforming to positive expectations of others => desire to be liked/accepted

social norms

unwritten rules dictating ‘acceptable’ behavior in society

relative deprivation

feeling dissatisfaction when individuals compare themselves to others (insecure)

upward social comparison

comparing yourself + people more skilled (leading to self-improvement/decrease in self esteem)

downward social comparison

comparing yourself to people less skilled (leading to boost in self-esteem)

informational social influence

accepting info from others as evidence about reality (when people are uncertain about what’s correct)

obedience

following direct commands from authority figures even if they’re immoral

social facilitation

when people perform differently when others are around (performing worse on new tasks and vice versa)

group polarization

when people in a group share ideas, they end up strongly agreeing with each other

groupthink

desire for harmony in a group, suppressing differing opinions, leading to a loss of creativity

bystander effect

individuals are less likely to help others when there are more people around

diffusion of responsibility

individuals feel less responsible for helping when others are around

social loafing

people do less in a group than they would do alone

deindividuation

losing sense of individuality in group settings, leading to deviant behavior