Understanding Conformity: Social Influence, Norms, and Historical Examples

What is social influence?

Social influence refers to how our thoughts and behaviors are affected by the behavior of others.

What are social norms?

Social norms vary across context, culture, and time, influencing how individuals behave in different settings.

What are individualistic cultures?

Individualistic cultures, such as the U.S., Canada, and Australia, emphasize personal independence and individual achievements.

What are collectivist cultures?

Collectivist cultures, like China and Japan, prioritize group harmony and collective well-being over individual goals.

What is conformity?

Conformity is the extent to which individuals modify their behavior to align with the behavior of others in a group.

How does social influence contribute to conformity?

Social influence leads individuals to consider how others are acting in a situation, often resulting in a bias to copy when uncertain.

What is diffusion of responsibility?

Diffusion of responsibility occurs when individuals assume that others are responsible for taking action or have already done so.

What is pluralistic ignorance?

Pluralistic ignorance is when the majority of group members privately reject a norm but go along with it, assuming most others accept it.

How does the presence of others affect emergency situations?

When others are present, individuals are less likely to perceive a situation as an emergency and may assume responsibility is shared.

Name one historical example of conformity.

Examples include the Milgram Experiment, Nuremburg Code, Stanford Prison Experiment, The Bystander Effect, and Religious Cults.

What should be included in a presentation about historical conformity?

The presentation should cover what happened, the results, and where conformity was evident in the example, including its impact.

What factors influence and motivate conformity?

Factors influencing conformity include group size, unanimity, cohesion, status, and the presence of others.

What questions should be discussed regarding conformity?

Discussion questions include what makes people more likely to conform, how this can change by situation, and whether conformity can be beneficial.

Can conformity be beneficial?

Yes, conformity can be beneficial in promoting social harmony and facilitating group cohesion.

What is the role of childhood in conformity?

A bias to copy others when uncertain emerges in childhood, influencing future conformity behaviors.

What is the significance of the Milgram Experiment in understanding conformity?

The Milgram Experiment illustrates the extent to which individuals will conform to authority figures, even against their moral beliefs.

What does the Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrate about conformity?

The Stanford Prison Experiment shows how situational factors and assigned roles can lead to extreme conformity and behavior changes.

What is the Bystander Effect?

The Bystander Effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when others are present.