Normative Social Influence Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Normative Social Influence?
Normative Social Influence is the tendency for individuals to conform to the behaviors and beliefs of those around them in order to maintain approval and acceptance from their peers. This phenomenon is driven by the need for social approval, a desire to fit in with those around us, and fear of being ostracized or excluded from our social circle. It is an important concept because it can influence behavior, even when it goes against personal values or beliefs. Normative Social Influence can be seen in many aspects of everyday life. In school settings, students may feel pressured to conform to certain expectations in order to gain acceptance from their classmates or teachers. Similarly, in the workplace, people may be swayed by their colleagues’ opinions on how best to approach a task or solve a problem. On a larger scale, entire societies can be influenced by norms that are accepted as the Ëœright way’ of thinking or behaving within that culture such as how we dress, speak and interact with one another. In most situations where Normative Social Influence is at play there are two main factors influencing our behavior: 1) The presence of others who are similar (e.g., friends) 2) The perceived importance attached to conforming (e.g., fear of not fitting in). Sometimes these influences become so strong that we forget our own individual values and beliefs and instead follow what everyone else believes is right. The effects of Normative Social Influence can be positive when applied correctly; it encourages people to take part in beneficial activities like recycling or donating money for charity which benefit society as a whole rather than just one individual person/group/organization etc. However if taken too far this conformity can lead people into making bad decisions based on what other people think rather than what they themselves believe is right – leading them away from their true values and morals which could cause harm down the line possibly affecting relationships with others etc. Overall Normative Social Influence should not be considered purely negative but instead used responsibly so that good outcomes outweigh bad ones – meaning we should take care not only listen but also think critically before taking someone else’s opinion as fact.