Learning Curve: 12b Social Influence

The tragic decision to launch the space shuttle Challenger resulted in part from the minimal expression of dissenting views among NASA personnel and advisors. This example illustrates the dangers of:

groupthink

When we adjust our own behavior or thinking so that it coincides with a group standard, we are exhibiting:

conformity.

The gradually escalating levels of destructive obedience in the Milgram experiments best illustrate one of the potential dangers of the _____ phenomenon.

foot-in-the-door

A group of racially prejudiced high school students discussed racial issues. During the conversation, their attitudes became even more prejudiced. This best illustrates _____.

group polarization

Tamera has a strong desire to join a certain sorority. She is very attracted to the housing and admires the sorority members. During rush she is asked to perform some actions which violate her religious beliefs but decides to go along with the requests despite her reservations. Tamera's decision to perform these actions best illustrates _____.

conformity

During a riot, a large sporting event, or mob action, we lose self-awareness and self-restraint. This is known as:

deindividuation

Kathleen is well liked by her friends. When you watch her, you can see that she mimics her friends' gestures and seems to match their moods. Kathleen's behavior would suggest that this automatic mimicry is a component of _____.

empathy

The gradually escalating levels of destructive obedience in the Milgram experiments BEST illustrate one of the potential dangers of:

the foot-in-the-door phenomenon.

Jose's friends ask him to participate in some activities. He feels pressure to join them even though the adventures might not be in his best interest. Which of the following reasons might be strengthening Jose's conformity to the group?

He admires the group's status and attractiveness.

John is not a great golfer; he has only been playing golf for 2 years. One day, John was playing alone and a foursome in front of him told him he could play through. All four of the others watched him tee off. According to social facilitation research, what type of performance would you expect from John?

He will not perform well due to increased arousal.

Joanna disagrees with her classmates on an issue. During a class discussion of the issue, Joanna is MOST likely to conform to her classmates' opinion if she:

believes the rest of the class is unanimous in their position.