Social Influence: GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Social Influence?

Going along with the group is known as conformity and it involves some shift or modification of the individual's behaviour in order to accommodate that of the group (usually the majority). People may conform even when they disagree with the group’s  opinions/behaviour 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.

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.

Prosocial behaviour is any act which actively seeks to help another person or people. People may receive less help if they are in a crowd (bystander behaviour).

People may behave antisocially when they are part of a crowd due to a process known as deindividuation: the loss of 'self' when part of a large crowd. This explains why some people who are usually law-abiding may join in with a riot i.e. their individuality becomes subsumed within the crowd.

Social Influence Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise conformity, obedience. prosocial behaviour and crowd behaviour to further your understanding of social influence. Why not assess your understanding with our selection of past papers and markschemes too.

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