AQA Psychology A-level - Social Influence

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from AQA Psychology A-level's Social Influence topic.

Conformity

A change in a person’s behavior or opinion as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or group of people.

Internalisation

The strongest type of conformity; adopting the beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors of a group as one's own.

Identification

Temporary change of behavior and beliefs only in the presence of a group.

Compliance

Following others’ ideas to gain approval or avoid disapproval, maintaining private disagreement.

Normative Social Influence (NSI)

Conforming to be liked and accepted by others, often leading to compliance.

Informational Social Influence (ISI)

Conforming to be correct and to gain information from others, often leading to internalisation.

Agentic State

A psychological state in which an individual feels no personal responsibility for their actions because they believe they are acting in the name of an authority figure.

Legitimacy of Authority

The perception that an authority figure has the right to issue commands due to their position, leading to higher obedience levels.

Locus of Control

A concept referring to how strongly individuals believe they have control over the events in their lives; internal locus means more control, external means less.

Authoritarian Personality

A dispositional explanation for obedience characterized by rigid adherence to conventional values and obedience to authority.

Minority Influence

When a small group influences the behavior or beliefs of the larger group, requiring consistency, commitment, and flexibility to be effective.

Social Change

A shift in the beliefs or behaviors of an entire population as a result of social influence processes.