What is Social Influence?
Going along with the group is known as conformity and it generally involves some shift or modification of the individual's behaviour/attitude in order to accommodate that of the group. People may conform even when they disagree with the group’s ideas/opinions/behaviours as most people want to be accepted and feel that they belong. They may also believe that the group knows more than they themselves do e.g. I’ll just see what everyone else does and then I’ll follow them.
Obedience is another form of social influence but, unlike conformity, it involves carrying out the instructions/orders of an individual who is in charge (an authority figure e.g. police officer, teacher). An individual may obey the orders of an authority figure even if those orders mean that harm is done to another person or people.
Social Influence Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams
You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise Social Influence and further your understanding of conformity, obedience and related topics.
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