Defining Social Influence; Conformity: Group Pressure; Obedience: Authority's Power; Minority Influence: Shifting Norms; Real-World Applications

Social Influence in Psychology

History

Social Influence in Psychology

How others shape our thoughts and actions.

Agenda

• Defining Social Influence

• Conformity: Group Pressure

• Obedience: Authority's Power

• Minority Influence: Shifting Norms

• Real-World Applications

Social Influence: An Intro

Social influence explores how the presence and actions of others can shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. For example, your friends might influence your music taste or how you dress for school. It's about how we adapt to the people around us, often without even realising it.

Adolescents in school hallway, influenced by peers.

What Is Social Influence?

• How others change our thoughts, feelings, behaviour.

• Conforming to group norms, like school uniform.

• Obeying authority figures, such as police officers.

• Yielding to requests, like charity appeals.

Everyday Examples

Social influence is all around us, subtly shaping our thoughts, feelings, and actions. For instance, you might choose to wear certain trainers because your friends do, or decide which film to watch based on online reviews. Even queuing politely at the bus stop is an example of how societal norms influence our behaviour.

Choosing athletic shoes influenced by social trends.

Bus stop social influence: norms shape behavior.

Why Study It?

Understanding social influence helps us explain why people act as they do, from everyday choices to significant historical events. It reveals how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are shaped by others, whether directly or indirectly. For instance, consider why people queue patiently for a bus or follow fashion trends.

Diverse people waiting for a bus, reflecting social influence.

Type 1: Conformity

Conformity is a type of social influence where individuals adjust their behaviour or opinions to match group norms. This often occurs to fit in or avoid disapproval, even if privately disagreeing. For example, a student might start using slang words their friends use to feel part of the group.

Fashion through time: diverse styles reflecting social identity.

Conformity: Classic Studies

Solomon Asch's 1951 line judgment experiment famously demonstrated conformity. Participants were asked to match line lengths, but most conformed to incorrect answers given by confederates. This classic study highlights how group pressure can influence individual behaviour, even when the correct answer is obvious.

Pencils of varying lengths compared, illustrating size differences.

Social Influence in Psychology

Defining Social Influence; Conformity: Group Pressure; Obedience: Authority's Power; Minority Influence: Shifting Norms; Real-World Applications

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