Group Dynamics and Norms

These flashcards cover key concepts related to group dynamics, norms, conformity, and their effects on individual behavior within groups.

Group Norms

Accepted standards and expectations for behavior within a group.

Descriptive Social Norms

Norms that describe what behaviors are typically exhibited by group members.

Injunctive Social Norms

Norms that represent the behaviors that group members ought to follow.

Informational Influence

Conformity based on the desire to obtain accurate information and believe others are correct.

Normative Influence

Conformity based on the desire to be accepted or liked by others in the group.

Private Conformity

When individuals genuinely accept the group's influence and believe the group is correct.

Public Conformity

When individuals outwardly comply with group norms but do not internally agree with them.

Groupthink

A phenomenon where the desire for group consensus results in poor decision-making.

False Consensus Effect

The tendency to overestimate the extent to which others share our beliefs and behaviors.

Group Polarization

The tendency for group discussion to enhance the group's prevailing tendencies in an extreme direction.

Deindividuation

A psychological state characterized by reduced self-awareness and decreased personal accountability in groups.

Risky Shift

The tendency for groups to make riskier decisions than individuals would make alone.

Cures for Faulty Group Decisions

Strategies such as open inquiry, encouraging dissent, and ensuring diversity to improve decision-making.

Consensus

General agreement among a group, though not always indicative of careful consideration.

The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind

A work by Gustave le Bon indicating that collective behavior might lead individuals to act against their interests.