Glossary
Asch Experiment
A classic study by Solomon Asch demonstrating the power of conformity, where participants often conformed to an incorrect group consensus on a simple perceptual task.
Example:
In a classroom activity, if everyone else incorrectly identifies the longest line, a student might second-guess their own correct answer and conform to the group, similar to the findings of the Asch Experiment.
Automatic Mimicry (Chameleon Effect)
The unconscious imitation of others' expressions, postures, and voice tones, which helps foster empathy and rapport.
Example:
During a conversation, if your friend crosses their arms, you might unconsciously cross yours a moment later, an example of automatic mimicry or the Chameleon Effect.
Compliance
Yielding to a direct request or instruction from another person or group, even if one does not necessarily agree with it.
Example:
When a salesperson asks you to fill out a survey, and you do so even though you're in a hurry, you are demonstrating compliance.
Conformity
Adjusting one's behavior or thinking to coincide with a group standard.
Example:
A student might start dressing in a similar style to their friends, even if it's not their usual preference, to demonstrate conformity with the group.
Door-in-the-Face Phenomenon
The tendency for people who have first refused a large request to comply later with a smaller, more reasonable request.
Example:
Your friend first asks to borrow 10, which you are more likely to agree to due to the door-in-the-face phenomenon.
Foot-in-the-Door Phenomenon
The tendency for people who have first agreed to a small request to comply later with a larger request.
Example:
A volunteer first asks you to sign a petition for a cause, and then a week later asks for a small donation for the same cause, utilizing the foot-in-the-door phenomenon.
Groupthink
A mode of thinking that occurs when the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives.
Example:
A company board might engage in groupthink if they quickly approve a risky new product without thoroughly discussing potential flaws, simply because no one wants to challenge the CEO's enthusiasm.
Informational Social Influence
Conforming because one accepts others' opinions about reality, believing the group is more knowledgeable.
Example:
When a new student is unsure which cafeteria line is for hot food, they observe where most other students are going and follow them, relying on informational social influence.
Milgram Experiment
A famous and controversial study by Stanley Milgram that investigated the extent to which people would obey an authority figure, even when it involved harming another person.
Example:
The shocking results of the Milgram Experiment, where many participants administered what they believed were painful electric shocks, revealed the powerful influence of perceived authority on human behavior.
Normative Social Influence
Conforming to gain approval or avoid disapproval from a group.
Example:
Even though a teenager thinks a certain band is overrated, they pretend to like their music when talking to a popular friend group to avoid being an outcast, illustrating normative social influence.
Obedience
Compliance with an order, request, or law from an authority figure.
Example:
A soldier following a command from their commanding officer, even if they disagree with it, is an act of obedience.
Roles
A set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.
Example:
Upon starting a new job, an individual quickly learns the expected behaviors and responsibilities associated with their position, adapting to their new roles within the company.
Stanford Prison Experiment
A controversial study by Philip Zimbardo that demonstrated how quickly people adopt and internalize social roles, leading to significant behavioral changes.
Example:
The rapid and intense behavioral changes observed in participants assigned as 'guards' or 'prisoners' in the Stanford Prison Experiment highlighted the powerful influence of situational roles.