Group Influence Module 76

Social Facilitation Most likely response is strengthened in the presence of others - Crowds activate our sympathetic nervous system. Improved performance of tasks in the presence of others Occurs with simple or well learned tasks Social Inhibition - Tasks that are difficult or not yet learned then the presence of other people is likely to hinder performance Deals with levels of arousal (Yerkes-Dodson Law)

Social Loafing Tendency to expend less effort on a task when it is a group effort The larger the group, the lower each individual’s output People may be less accountable in a group, or they may think their efforts aren’t needed. Reduced when… Group is composed of people we know We are members of a highly valued group Task is meaningful Women are generally less likely to engage in social loafing than are men. Social Striving - Opposite occurs in many collectivistic cultures, people work harder in a group setting

Deindividuation The loss of self-awareness and self-restraint occurring in group situations that foster arousal and anonymity People lose their sense of responsibility when in a group.

Group Polarization When group decisions end up as extreme versions of what each individual’s preferences are. Get a bunch of violent people together and they will come up with more aggressive plans than if they were acting alone. Originally called risky shift - Group takes more chances when making a decision than individuals

Social Pressure in Group Decisions Group polarization When people find themselves in groups of like-minded types, they are likely to move to extremes Creates an Us vs. Them mentality Why does this occur? informational and normative influences Against For Group 1 Group 2 Before group discussion Strength of opinion (a) After group discussion (b) This figure was adapted from the Gray CD version of figure 14.6

Group Polarization Separation + Conversation = Polarization

Groupthink When the desire for harmony in a decision-making group overrides a realistic appraisal of the alternatives Group members try to maintain harmony and unanimity in group Can lead to worse decisions than individuals when people don’t raise concerns or alternatives so they can instead agree with the group. Prevented when a leader welcomes various opinions & critiques & assigns people to identify possible problems.

Our Power as Individuals

Minority Influence One or Two people can sway a majority IF… Hold firm to your position and don’t waffle Self-confidence makes others consider why you are staying with your position & they may develop sympathy for your position & rethink their view.

Cultural Influences on Behavior Cultural NORMS – Rules for accepted & expected behavior in society Can change with time. Would this be accepted for Graduation?