Social Influence Lesson Objectives n To be able

Social Influence

Lesson Objectives n To be able to define the term ‘conformity’. n To be able to define the term ‘social norms’. n n n To be able to define two types of conformity (compliance and internalisation). To be able to outline research which demonstrates compliance (Asch). To be able to evaluate Asch’s research.

Social Influence Discussion Activity What is Conformity?

Social Influence “…the way in which a person or group of people affect the attitudes and behaviour of an individual” (Brody and Dwyer, 2002). This means. . . . that our behaviour can be governed or affected in any social situation simply by the mere presence of others.

Social Influence Definitions of Conformity (majority influence) “ yielding to group pressure” Crutchfield (1955) ". . a change in a person's behaviour or opinions as a result of a real or imagined pressure from a person or a group of people. " Aronson (1976) Elevator Psychology

Social Influence Definitions of Conformity. . . According to Cardwell et al (1996), although most people think of themselves as autonomous (or self-directed) individuals, they nevertheless tend to go along with (or conform to) the social norms (i. e. , rules and expectations) that their groups and societies have evolved. What social norms do you think operated in this college? Birmingham Service Station

Social Influence Social Norm: A way of thinking or behaving that is considered appropriate and proper within a particular society, and that most members of that society adhere to. OR A set of rules and expectations that develop within groups about how to behave. Glossary

Social Influence Social Norms: Do you like to eat sheep’s eyes? The Bedouin society of North Africa regard these as a delicacy – it would therefore “fit in” with the social norms operating within this group to eat them. But, it is highly unlikely that you would find them on the shelves of Tesco or Asda – because it would not fit in with our social norms. Can you identify any social norms which have changed over time?

Social Influence Glossary Social Norms: Explicit Social Norms that are obvious or directed. For example: No smoking sign Fire exit sign “Queue here” Implicit Social Norms that are hidden but they are still there nevertheless. For example: Personal space Public transport Canteen behaviour Classroom seating! Birmingham Service Station

Social Influence There are different types of conformity: Compliance Internalisation

Social Influence In public we conform to the behaviour of others Compliance In private – maintain own views Example ~ Adopt views and behaviours of the group in public and in private. Internalisation Maintain attitudes on leaving the group Example ~

Recap Social Influence Without using your notes define the following terms: Explicit Social Norm A Social Norm Implicit Social Norm Now complete the examination style questions on page 17

Social Influence Research study showing Compliance Asch (1951): Line-Judgement Task ~ Class presentation ~ Complete a mind map or APFC

Asch (1951) Example of stimulus material used in Asch’s experiments on conformity A Standard Line 1 2 Comparison Lines 3 Ψ

Compliance n Superficial n Public display n E. g. jokes n Going along with the ideas of others whilst really disagreeing with them.

AO 1 – Summary of research into compliance n Line judgement test – Asch (1951) n Straightforward task – unambiguous n Conducted a pilot study – why? n 3 mistakes from 720 trials

Asch (1951) n 123 American male undergraduates n All but one in the group were confederates n 18 trials – 12 critical n True participant was always the last or last but one to answer

What did Asch find? Mean conformity rate of 37% n Which means… Participants agreed with the incorrect majority answer on over 1/3 of the trials n Is 37% pretty low? - Not considering how obvious (unambiguous) the task was! n

Asch (1951) ~ Results 5% conformed on every trial - 25% remained totally independent – never once agreed with the majority when they answered incorrectly n Why? Factors affecting conformity – Read and highlight page 6 in the booklet. -

Asch – Variations n n n Group size – 1, 2 & 3 stooges 1 stooge = 0%, 2 stooges = 12. 8%, 3 stooges = 37% (more than that – no rise) Unanimity of stooges (same wrong answer) Unanimous = High level of conformity 1 stooge giving right answer = drops to 5% Ambiguity – how obvious is the wrong answer As lines become similar in length conformity rises

AO 1 – possible exam question (PSYA 2) Describe research into compliance (6 marks) Things to consider? ? ? n Create an APFC mind map sheet for Asch’s study. n Create a set of Buzz words for Asch’s study

A 02 – Asch (1951) Criticise the methodology n n n Sample – Androcentric (just men) Sample – Unrepresentative Setting – Artificial (Laboratory) Validity – Population Validity – Ecological

Asch - More A 02 evaluation! n * High level of control over variables * Generated a lot of further research * Deception * Lack of Informed Consent * Contradictory findings (Perrin and Spencer ~ 1 conforming response out of 396 British engineering students).

Exam’ practice! Homework Describe and evaluate research into compliance (12 marks) (Remember to plan your answer)