4.3: Psychology of Social Situations (Group influence) Review

In Solomon Asch’s famous experiment, participants were asked to compare line lengths. Although the correct answer was obvious, several participants gave the wrong answer on purpose. The real participant, seated near the end, often went along with the group—even when they knew it was wrong. This showed how people will change their answers to match the group, especially when they want to avoid standing out. This classic experiment shows the effects of

(a)  

Leon Festinger and his team joined a doomsday cult led by a woman who believed aliens would rescue them before the end of the world. When the world didn’t end, instead of giving up their beliefs, members said the aliens had spared Earth because of their loyalty. Rather than admit they were wrong, they changed their beliefs to reduce the mental discomfort of being wrong. This classic experiment showed the effects of...

(a)  

In Stanley Milgram’s study, participants were told to give electric shocks to another person (actually an actor) when they answered questions incorrectly. Even when the person screamed in pain, most participants continued shocking them because an authority figure in a lab coat told them to. This is the classic study that showed (a)   to authority.

In Philip Zimbardo’s mock prison experiment, college students were randomly assigned to be guards or prisoners. Within days, guards began acting cruel and abusive, while prisoners became passive and anxious. The study revealed how people can lose their sense of identity and morality when placed in powerful roles and given anonymity. This illustrates the concept of (a)   , or losing your own identity when part of a group.

Muzafer Sherif placed boys at a summer camp into two separate groups. They bonded with their own group and competed fiercely with the other. Tensions ran high—until the groups were given a task that required cooperation (fixing the camp water supply). Only by working together did they overcome hostility. The study showed that shared (a)   goals reduce conflict between rival groups.

During a school spirit day, Mia doesn’t want to wear the themed outfit, but all her friends are dressed up and encouraging her to join in. Even though she doesn't really care about spirit day, she decides to participate because she doesn’t want to feel left out or seem like the only one not showing support. This example shows the effects of (a)   social influence

On a field trip to a science museum, the group is asked to find their way to an exhibit without help. Sam isn’t sure which hallway to take but sees several classmates heading toward one direction. Assuming they know more than he does, he follows them, even though he was originally going the other way. This example shows the effects of (a)   social influence

At a fundraiser, students are asked to donate $2 to a cause. Amanda initially says no, but when the volunteer asks again more gently, she agrees—just to avoid awkwardness. She doesn’t feel strongly about the cause, but she goes along with the request. Agreeing with another's request is known as

(a)  

A small group of students meet to talk about changes to the school dress code. At first, they simply think the rules are a bit outdated. But after a long discussion where everyone shares stories and frustrations, they leave the meeting feeling that the dress code is completely unfair and should be eliminated entirely. This shows the effects of _________ ___________ on the individuals in the group.

(a)  

Before the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, some engineers expressed concern about the safety of the O-rings in cold temperatures. However, NASA officials and decision-makers downplayed the risks to maintain the timeline and avoid disagreement. Despite warnings, the shuttle was launched—and tragically exploded shortly after takeoff. The failure of some members of the group to disrupt the group is an example of (a)   at work.