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MUST BE FROM Book material In this section we will begin discussing Social Influence. This section corresponds to chapter 7 of your textbook. Textbook(s) Required: Social Psychology, Branscombe & Baron, 14th edition. ISBN-13: ISBN-10: ) Do as we do: Conformity can be a powerful influence within social groups. Describe what conformity is and the reasons why we conform to social conventions or doctrines.

In addition, what factors are likely to lead to someone rejecting or not conforming to social pressure? (2) If a mouse asks for a cookie, how likely are you to give it one: Compliance or getting someone to agree to do something is important to social interaction and can be facilitated a number of ways. What is a tactic or technique people use to get other people to do as they ask? (3) Okay boss, I’ll get right on it: Authority figures will often ask members of their group to act in certain ways that may be objectionable to the individual or group as a whole. What things predict a person’s likelihood to follow an order they find objectionable and how can someone be resistant to these influences?

Paper for above instructions

Social Influence in Social Psychology
Social influence is a significant aspect of human behavior, impacting how individuals think, feel, and act within social contexts. Chapter 7 of Branscombe and Baron (2021) explores this core theme in social psychology, particularly focusing on conformity, compliance, and obedience as critical dimensions of social influence. Understanding these concepts can reveal the powerful forces at play in everyday social interactions and help explain why people often act in accordance with group norms, sometimes contradicting their own beliefs and values.

Conformity: Definition and Influences

Conformity refers to the tendency to adjust one’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to align with the norms or expectations of a group (Branscombe & Baron, 2021). Individuals often conform for several reasons, including:
1. Normative Social Influence: People conform to be accepted or liked by others. This type of influence is particularly potent in situations where there is a strong desire for social belonging (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004). For example, teenagers may adopt certain fashion trends or slang to fit in with their peers.
2. Informational Social Influence: This occurs when individuals conform because they believe the group possesses accurate information or insight, particularly in ambiguous situations (Branscombe & Baron, 2021). For instance, if someone is unsure about directions and observes others heading in a particular direction, they may conform to follow the majority.
3. Social Comparison: Individuals often compare their opinions and behaviors to those of others to gauge their own actions (Festinger, 1954). This can lead to conformity, especially when people perceive others as having more knowledge or experience.
4. Cultural Factors: Different cultures exhibit varying degrees of conformity. Collectivist cultures tend to emphasize group cohesiveness and conformity to social norms, while individualistic cultures may encourage personal autonomy and dissent (Hofstede, 1984).
While conformity can support social harmony and cohesion, certain factors can lead individuals to reject social pressure:
1. Self-Esteem: Individuals with higher self-esteem or confidence in their beliefs may be more likely to resist conformity (Branscombe & Baron, 2021). They often find it easier to stand by their opinions, even if they diverge from group norms.
2. Awareness of Independence: Some individuals value their independence and personal agency, leading them to reject social pressures that conflict with their beliefs (Miller, 2006). Awareness of the importance of individual opinions can foster dissent.
3. Potential for Social Support: Having a supportive ally can reduce the pressures of conformity. If even one person in the group shares a dissenting opinion, it can empower others to voice their disagreements (Asch, 1956).
4. Desire for Authenticity: People emphasizing authenticity often feel compelled to act in harmony with their core beliefs rather than simply conforming (Ibarra, 2015). This internal drive for genuine self-expression can serve as a protective factor against conformity.

Compliance and Influencing Others

Compliance involves changing one's behavior in response to a direct request from another person (Branscombe & Baron, 2021). It is crucial for social interaction and can be facilitated through several techniques:
1. Foot-in-the-Door Technique: This method involves starting with a small request to gain compliance and then following it up with a larger, related request. Research indicates that people are more likely to comply with the larger request after agreeing to the initial small one (Freedman & Fraser, 1966).
2. Door-in-the-Face Technique: In this approach, an individual starts with a large request expected to be refused and then follows it with a smaller request. This technique plays on the principle of reciprocity and social pressure, making the second request seem reasonable by comparison (Cialdini et al., 1975).
3. Low-Ball Technique: In this approach, a person obtains compliance by first securing agreement to a desirable option and then later revealing that the option is no longer available, effectively getting the person to commit to a lesser alternative (Cialdini et al., 1978).
These techniques highlight the ways in which social influence can shape behaviors, and they illustrate the nuances of compliance in human relationships.

Obedience and Authority Figures

Obedience involves acting in accordance with the demands or directives of an authority figure (Branscombe & Baron, 2021). The likelihood of an individual obeying an authority figure can be influenced by several factors:
1. Legitimacy of Authority: The perceived legitimacy of the authority figure can significantly influence obedience. Individuals are more likely to comply when the authority is viewed as credible and trustworthy (Milgram, 1974).
2. Proximity to the Authority Figure: Physical proximity can force an individual's obedience. Individuals are more likely to obey an authority figure who is present and directly issuing commands than someone who is distant (Milgram, 1974).
3. Group Influence: The presence of dissenting peers can inhibit obedience. When individuals see others resisting authority, they may feel more empowered to resist as well (Gamson et al., 1982).
4. Personal Responsibility: When individuals feel personally responsible for their actions, they may be less likely to comply with authority figures who issue ethically objectionable orders (Blass, 1999).
5. Individual Differences: Certain personality traits, such as authoritarianism, can predispose individuals to comply with authority figures (Adorno et al., 1950).
To resist these influences, individuals can adopt several strategies:
1. Critical Thinking: Encouraging autonomy and fostering analytical thinking skills can empower individuals to question directives from authority figures (Branscombe & Baron, 2021).
2. Moral Considerations: Cultivating a strong sense of ethics can help individuals evaluate the morality of actions requested by authority and choose to resist when necessary (Haidt, 2012).
3. Social Support Networks: Building support networks that promote dissent can protect against blindly following orders and encourage individuals to advocate for their values and beliefs (Bennett & Danziger, 2021).

Conclusion

Understanding social influence is crucial to navigating interpersonal dynamics. By acknowledging the factors that lead to conformity, compliance, and obedience, individuals can develop greater awareness of their social interactions and the psychological processes that underpin them. This knowledge empowers them to resist undue pressures and engage in behaviors that align with their values and beliefs.

References

1. Adorno, T. W., Frenkel-Brunswik, E., Levinson, D. J., & Sanford, R. N. (1950). The Authoritarian Personality. Harper.
2. Bennett, S. E., & Danziger, S. K. (2021). Social Support and Resistance to Authority: The Role of Social Identity. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 47(12), 1703-1715.
3. Blass, T. (1999). The Milgram Paradigm After 35 Years: A Solitary Voice of Dissent. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(5), 868-872.
4. Branscombe, N. R., & Baron, R. A. (2021). Social Psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.
5. Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social Influence: Compliance and Internalization. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 591-621.
6. Cialdini, R. B., Vincent, K., & Goldstein, N. (1975). Harnessing the Science of Social Influence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(2), 75-106.
7. Cialdini, R. B., Feinberg, D. R., & Allen, J. (1978). The Low-Ball Procedure: Evidence of a Two-Step Compliance Process. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 36(2), 207-214.
8. Festinger, L. (1954). A Theory of Social Comparison Processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140.
9. Freedman, J. L., & Fraser, S. S. (1966). The Big Lie: The Effect of Large Requests on Small Requests. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 4(2), 195-202.
10. Gamson, W. A., Fireman, B. & Rytina, S. (1982). Encounters with Unjust Authority: The Role of Dissenting Peers. Yale University Press.
This comprehensive examination of social influence highlights the dynamics of human interactions shaped by conformity, compliance, and obedience, providing insights into the psychological mechanisms that guide behavior in social contexts.