Social Psychology II: Group Dynamics

Conformity

Changing your behavior or opinions to match a group

Reason People Conform

To fit in avoid rejection or believe the group is correct

Solomon Asch Experiment

People agreed with obviously wrong group answers to fit in

Obedience

Following orders from an authority figure

Stanley Milgram Experiment

Participants thought they were giving painful electric shocks to another person because an authority figure told them to continue.

Groupthink

When groups value agreement more than good decision

Signs of Groupthink

Ignoring problems avoiding disagreement and pressuring others to agree

Example of Groupthink

A group makes bad decisions because nobody wants conflict

Social Facilitation

People perform better on simple tasks when others are watching

Examples of Social Facilitation

Athletes performing before crowds, students answering easy questions

Social Loafing

People put in less effort when working in groups

Example of Social Loafing

A student works less in a group project because others will do the work

Deindividuation

Losing self

Examples of Deindividuation

Someone acts aggressively during a large crowd event.

Prejudice

A negative attitude toward a group

Discrimination

Unfair behavior toward a group

Difference Between Prejudice and Discrimination

Prejudice is thoughts and feelings discrimination is actions

Stereotypes

Oversimplified beliefs about groups of people

In-Group

A group you belong to

Out-Group

A group yo do not belong to

Bystander Effect

People are less likely to help when others are present

Diffusion of Responsibility

Responsibility spreads across many people so each person feels less responsible

Altruism

Helping others without expecting rewards

Examples of Altruism

Donating, volunteering, rescuing others