Social Behavior Part 4

1. Social Behavior 4

2. Going along with the group
because you think they
know more than you do.You
change your own beliefs or
attitudes because you think
that the group is right.
Example:
Your friends tell you
that your favorite pair
of shoes are not
fashionable anymore.
You had no idea, so
thank them for letting
you know!
Informational InfluenceIn some situations, we are
uncertain about how to think
or act. We use the behavior
of others to help us figure
out what is going on in the
situation. We conform
because we see others as a
source of information.
“Why are you
standing up?”

3. Informational Influence: When does it happen?
1. When we think other people are experts.
2. When we feel unsure about something or
the answers are unclear.
??

4. Informational Influence: When does it happen?
When we feel unsure about something.
When the answers are unclear.
In an experiment,
researchers briefly
showed test
subjects the picture
of a criminal.
Researchers made a police line-up where the suspects
looked very similar. When they asked test subjects
which one was the criminal, subjects were more likely
go along with a group of actors (choosing the wrong
answer), when they felt uncertain.

5. Informational Influence: When does it happen?
When we feel unsure about something.
When the answers are unclear.
The longer the test subjects got to see the picture of the criminal, the
less likely they were to follow the group and choose the wrong answer.
Thus, uncertainty causes people to rely on others for information.

6. Normative Influence
Going along with the group
so they will like you.
Sometimes you change your
actions to match the group
even though you do not
agree with them.
Example:
Your friends found a
new band that they
like.You don’t like this
band, but you say that
you do and listen to
the music to please
your friends.
In other situations, we want
to be part of a group so we
feel a sense of belonging.We
don’t like the feeling of being
different or isolated from
others.
“When I saw
everybody
stand up I felt
like I needed
to join them,
otherwise I’m
excluded.”

7. Normative Influence: When does it happen?
1. When the group size is 3 or more.
2. When the group members are important
(when they are family, friends, or people we
love, respect, or admire).
3. When we have low-self esteem or fear of
rejection/isolation.
4. When the group seems to unanimously
agree.

8. What Type of Influence?
You go to a play and really hate it,
but at the end, everyone in the
crowd gives a loud standing
ovation. You stand up and clap too.

9. What Type of Influence?
Even though
it’s
impractical,
plastic bag
tops are the
most popular
new fashion
trend this
year. You
wear one
because you
want to be as
cool as
everyone else.

10. What Type of Influence?
There are lots of restaurants on Main Street,
but only one has a giant line waiting outside.
You decide to go to the restaurant with the
long line because it must have the best food.