By: Ms. Kong Social Influence

How does being in a group change the way we behave? Social Influence How does being in a group change the way we behave?

Social Influence The greatest contribution of social psychology is its study of attitudes, beliefs, decisions, and actions and the way they are molded by social influence. NON SEQUITER © 2000 Wiley. Dist. by Universal Press Syndicate Reprinted with Permission

Copycats Humans are natural mimics Yawns, laughs, look up….eventually others will follow (Chimps, too) Columbine High School Shootings, 1999 Every state, except Vermont, experienced copycat violence Cluster suicides

Conformity Adjusting one’s behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard/norm Why do we do it? To be accepted, liked or just to fit in or to avoid feeling silly

Social Norms Unwritten rules about how to behave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuvGh_n3I_M Social Norms Unwritten rules about how to behave They provide us with an expected idea of how to behave in a particular social group or culture For example we expect students to arrive to lesson on time and complete their work. Other examples?

Chameleon Effect Humans natural tendency to mimic others behavior has been coined the chameleon effect. We unconsciously mock others expressions, postures, and voice tones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDDyT1lDhA The Asch Effect Tendency for people to conform, even if they are aware they are incorrect. Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007

Conformity: The Asch Studies Which line matches the line on the left? A 1 2 3 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Standard line Comparison lines

Conformity: The Asch Studies What would you say if you were in a room full of people who all picked line number three? A 1 2 3 Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Standard line Comparison lines

Conformity No opposition (control) Correct estimated (percent) 100 80 60 40 20 With partner Alone against majority Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 2007 Critical trials 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Solomon Asch Studies Nearly 75% of the participants went along with the group at least once. After combining all of the trials: participants conformed to the incorrect group answer approximately 1/3 of the time. Just 1 other confederate present = virtually no impact on participants' answers. Presence of 2 confederates = only a tiny effect. The level of conformity seen with 3 or more confederates = far more significant. Having 1 of the confederates give the correct answer while the rest of the confederates gave the incorrect answer = dramatically lowered conformity. (5 to 10% of the participants conformed to the rest of group) Later studies supported this finding (Morris & Miller, 1975), suggesting: Having social support is an important tool in combating conformity

Conditions That Strengthen Conformity When one is made to feel incompetent or insecure. The group has at least three people. The group is unanimous…the dissent of just one other person greatly increases social courage. When one admires the groups status and attractiveness. When one has made no prior commitment to any response. Others in the group observe one’s behavior. Ones culture strongly encourages respect fro social standards.

Reasons for Conforming Normative Social Influence = influence resulting from a persons desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval Informational Social Influence = influence resulting from one’s willingness to accept others opinions about reality (We think the group is right)

Wrap-up In what ways do people “conform” as teenagers? To groups? To norms? Why do social norms exist? Is conformity always a bad thing?

Courtesy of CUNY Graduate School and University Center Obedience People comply to social pressures. How would they respond to outright command? Stanley Milgram designed a study that investigates the effects of authority on obedience. Courtesy of CUNY Graduate School and University Center Stanley Milgram (1933-1984)

Milgram’s Study Many psychiatrist predicted that most people would stop soon after the first indication of pain. Both Photos: © 1965 By Stanley Miligram, from the film Obedience, dist. by Penn State, Media Sales http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTX42lVDwA4

Milgram’s Study: Results

Results of Milgram’s Experiment Men between 20-50 complied fully 63% of the time—right up to the last switch Later women were involved in the experiment…the results were similar to men Real world correlations Nazi Holocaust Exceptions  those that did not bow to authority Anne Frank protectors Danes rescuing their Jews by sending them to Sweden

Conditions That Strengthen the Influence of Obedience Person giving orders was close at hand and appeared to be a legitimate authority figure. When the authority figure is supported by a prestigious institution. When the victim was depersonalized or at a distance. There are no role models for defiance.

RECAP As human beings we are constantly trying to conform to the social norms We conform because we believe others are correct or we want to be accepted Asch Study – conform when groups are bigger and social support is an important tool in combating conformity Milgram’s study shows that people will go through great lengths to listen to an authority figure Can explain actions of Nazi soldiers

How do groups affect our behavior? Group Influence How do groups affect our behavior?

Social Facilitation The improved performance of tasks in the presence of others. When is social facilitation most noticeable? When the tasks are simple or well learned, mastered tasks e.g. Runners who run in a group have faster times than when running alone

Social Facilitation Cont’d How does social facilitation explain home field advantage in sports?

Social Loafing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqJ79kAFVho The tendency for people in a group to exert less effort when pooling their efforts towards attaining a common goal than when individually accountable. Tendency to expend less effort when part of a large group Why do you think that social loafing occurs? When people are part of a group the feel less accountable

Deindividuation The loss of self awareness and self restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity. When is deindividuation most likely to occur?

Group Polarization Group Polarization – The enhancement of a groups prevailing attitudes through discussion within the group. In what situation is group polarization most likely to happen?

Group Think Group Think – A mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides the realistic appraisal of alternatives Pressure to conform to group makes everyone in the group have same beliefs and attitudes

How do you resist group think? Assign people to identify problems Be open to and welcome various opinions Invite experts to critique plans in various stages of development

We also influence ourselves The Power of the Individual can be stronger than a group.

The Power of Individuals When feeling pressured many people may react by doing the opposite of what is expected. Minority Influence – Throughout history, individuals have had a tremendous effect on groups by staying firm to beliefs Ex. Rosa Parks and Gandhi

Self-Fulfilling Prophecies Occurs when one person’s belief about others leads one to act in ways that induce the others to appear to confirm the belief. If you think someone finds you attractive, they more likely will!!!