7 - intro to psych - social influence

what is socialo psychology

the scientific investigation of how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by the real, implied, or imagined presence of others

what is social influence

• How our thoughts, feelings and behaviour are influenced by the presence of others

• We will behave differently in the presence of those others

what is conformity

an attitude or behaviour change due to an implied social norm

what ae the 3 distortions to explain conformity

perception - change view

judgement - reject own view

action - ignore view

what are some factors influencing conformity

Size of the majority

Unanimity of the group

Fear of ridicule

Task difficulty

Answering in private

Feeling incompetent or insecure

Feeling like others are watching

Admiring the group (e.g. status)

Age

Gender

Culture

what are the explinations for why people conform

normitive social influence - going along with others

informational social influence - being convinced by others

what is obedience

AN ACTIVE ATTITUDE OR BEHAVIOUR CHANGE DUE TO A DIRECT ORDER OR EXPLICIT COMMANDS

what is the agentic state

People move from a self-directed, autonomous state to an agentic state

what factors keep someone in an agentic state

situational obligation

nature of the action

what are other explainations for conformity

Diffusion of responsibility

The perception of legitimate authority

Entrapment

Socialisation

what are soem potential ethical issues of research

Vulnerable groups

Sensitive topics

Deception

Involving confidential information

Anything inducing stress, anxiety, or humiliation

Invasive interventions (such as drugs, vigorous exercise, etc)

Research that may impact employment or social standing

Research leading to labeling

what are the 2 types of mindset

fixed and growth