Chapter-8_-Group-Influence
Chapter Group Influence
Authors: Falejo, Guce, Guinto, Group 8 (BSPSY 3101)
Social Facilitation
Original Meaning: Tendency of people to perform simple or well-learned tasks better in the presence of others.
Current Meaning: Strengthening of dominant responses in the presence of others.
The Mere Presence of Others
Co-Actors: co-participants in noncompetitive activities.
Norman Triplett’s Experiment: Children wound fishing reels faster with co-actors, but no statistical significance found in modern analysis.
Social Facilitation in Animals: Performance boost in tasks like sand excavation or mating; can hinder complex problem-solving.
Robert Zajonc's Theory: Arousal from others strengthens dominant responses, benefiting simple tasks.
The Presence of Many Others: Crowding
Effect increases with group size, intensifying reactions and arousal.
Why Are We Aroused in the Presence of Others?
Evaluation Apprehension: Concern about others' judgment enhances performance on well-practiced tasks.
Driven by Distraction: Presence of others can overload cognitive systems.
Mere Presence: Triggers innate social arousal across species.
Social Loafing
Definition: Individuals exert less effort in a group due to pooled efforts, making contributions less identifiable.
Two Foundational Studies of Social Loafing
Ringelmann Effect: Individuals pulled less in groups compared to alone; effort decreased with group size.
Latané's Study (1979): Participants shouted less loudly in groups, attributing it to social loafing.
Key Factors and Causes of Social Loafing
Diffusion of Responsibility: Individuals feel less accountable in larger groups.
Free Rider Effect: Benefit from group efforts without contributing.
Evaluation Apprehension: Fear of negative judgment can hinder performance.
Consequences of Social Loafing
Decreased Productivity: Reduced effort leads to lower work quality and missed deadlines.
Reduced Creativity: Less motivation to share ideas in groups.
Negative Group Dynamics: Can create tension and conflict, leading to turnover.
Deindividuation
Definition: Loss of self-awareness and evaluation apprehension in groups; fosters norm responsiveness.
Factors:
Group Size
Anonymity
Arousing Activities
Diminished Self-Awareness
Impact: Unself-conscious people act more impulsively and are less restrained.
Self-Awareness
Opposite of deindividuation; focuses attention on oneself, often reducing likelihood of extreme behaviors.
Group Polarization
Definition: Group discussions intensify initial attitudes, leading to riskier or more cautious decisions.
Persuasive Arguments: Members strengthen their views through discussion.
Social Comparison: Individuals may adopt more extreme views to fit in.
Differentiation: Aligning with perceived group norms can lead to radical positions.
Risky Shift
Groups often make riskier decisions than individuals; documented by Stoner (1961).
Group Polarization in Everyday Life
In Schools: Discussions reinforce existing biases.
In Communities: Extreme positions emerge during local discussions.
On the Internet: Online echo chambers enhance extremism.
Utilization of Arguments in Influence
Informational Influence: Persuasion through compelling arguments during discussions.
Normative Influence: Changing opinions for social acceptance, avoiding conflict.
The Influence of the Minority
Consistency: A strong, unwavering minority can influence the majority.
Self-Confidence: Firmness and persistence can prompt majority reassessment.
Defections from Majority: Minority defectors can be more persuasive than consistent minorities.
Leadership and Minority Influence
Leadership Types:
Task Leadership: Organizing work, focusing on goals.
Social Leadership: Building teamwork, mediating conflict.
Transformational Leadership: Influencing through vision and inspiration.
Minority's Role: Even minority opinions can prompt majority reconsideration, leading to creative decisions.