Critical Thinking in Psychology

Flashcards covering social influence, conformity, and related concepts.

Social Influence

The ways in which people are affected by the real or imagined presence of others.

Obedience

When behavior is influenced due to the commands of an authority figure.

The Milgram Study

A study where participants thought they were administering electric shocks to a learner.

Conformity

Involves changing one’s behavior (either subconsciously or consciously) to fit in with a group.

Asch (1956) Study

Visual perception task where participants judged the length of lines, often conforming to incorrect answers given by confederates.

Deindividuation

A central theme of the slides on Social Influences of Behavior is that of the individual losing his sense of responsibility and self when in a group.

Social Loafing

A person in a group tends to exert less effort when combining efforts with others to attain a common goal, than when held individually accountable.

Bystander Effect

Individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. The greater the number of bystanders, the less likely it is that any one of them will help.