7A–7D Social Groups, Obedience/Conformity, Media, and Individual Decision-Making

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on social groups, obedience and conformity, media influence, and individual decision-making.

Group

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

In-group

A group that an individual belongs to or identifies with (e.g., your sports team).

Out-group

A group that an individual does not belong to or identify with (e.g., other teams).

Group Norms formal

explicit rules to a group

Norm

A standard, value, or rule that outlines what is considered appropriate behavior or experience.

Social Identity Theory

The tendency to favour one's in-group over an out-group to boost self-esteem.

Social Loafing

A reduction in individual effort when working in a group versus alone, due to reliance on others.

Culture

The customs, behaviors, and values of a particular group in society.

Individualist Cultures

Cultures that prioritise the needs/goals of individuals and value independence.

Collectivist Cultures

Cultures that prioritise the needs/goals of groups.

Obedience

Compliance with commands given by an authority figure.

Status of Authority Figure

Greater status or power increases obedience; people are more likely to obey those with status or power.

Proximity

Physical or emotional closeness to the command-giver increases obedience.

Group Pressure

Tendency to obey rises as more others obey; social proof from others influences obedience.

Conformity

Adjusting thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to match those of others or a group.

Social Norms

Society’s unofficial rules and expectations; can covertly pressure individuals to conform.

Groupthink

when the pressure to agree with the group outweighs critical thinking and consideration of consequences.

Group Shift

A change toward more extreme group decisions after discussion due to group dynamics.

Deindividuation

Loss of self-identity in a group, increasing likelihood of conformity; anonymity can enhance this.

Media

Forms through which information is communicated and spread in society.

Technological Determination

The idea that media causes changes in behavior.

Social Connections

The network of people available for support and engagement.

Social Comparison

Measuring self-worth by comparing with others; impacts mental wellbeing.

Addictive Behaviours

Behaviours tied to dependence on a stimulus despite negative consequences.

Information Access

How easily information can be accessed by different people.

Independence

Being free from control or influence of others.

Self-determination Theory

People achieve autonomy, competence, and relatedness to meet basic needs.

Autonomy

The need to act authentically based on personal choice and intrinsic motivation.

Competence

The need to feel skilled and capable of influencing one’s environment.

Relatedness

The need to feel attached, connected, and belonging with others.

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation driven by external rewards or benefits (e.g., money, esteem).

Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation driven by internal rewards (e.g., personal growth, knowledge).

Anti-conformity

Deliberate refusal to comply with social norms.

Desire to Promote Change

Belief that circumstances are unethical or unfair and should be changed.

Reactance

Motivational state of distress/resistance when personal freedom is threatened.

Individuation

Process whereby an individual’s identity and unique contributions become noticeable within a group.

Social Support

Support from others who share similar attitudes or perspectives.

Deviant Subgroups

Groups whose values and norms lie outside dominant societal norms.

Group norms informal

group norms that are implicit and inferred through consequences.