Lesson 3: Conformity & Obedience

norm

standard or expected pattern of behavior, beliefs, or values that is established and maintained by a group

explicit norms include…

laws or rules

implicit norms include…

unwritten social expectations

informational social influence

influence of others that leads individuals to conform because they believe others possess more accurate information or knowledge, especially in ambiguous or uncertain situations

obedience

act of following orders from an authority figure, often involving a change in behavior to comply with explicit commands

obedience can be influenced by…

perceived legitimacy and power of the authority figure

obedience typically occurs within a…

hierarchical structure

normative social influence

influence of other people that leads individuals to conform to be liked and accepted, or to avoid rejection, by the group

conformity

act of aligning one’s beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors to match those of group or social norms

social contagion

spontaneous spread of behaviors