2
Introduction
There are various types of influences that can affect an individual. Social influences in
particular can cause individual’s to partake in social loafing, social facilitation, and conformity.
In order to understand how individuals are influenced, it is important to understand why
individual’s conform in a group setting, and how that may affect the individual and the group as
a whole. When individuals begin to conform in a social setting, their behavior may be altered,
and they may participate in activities they might not have otherwise considered.
Overview of Social Psychology
Conformity
Conformity is a natural and common social tendency; therefore, it can take place
anywhere, anytime, and often times without self-awareness (Ress & Wallace, 2014). When
individuals conform to the social norms of a selected group, they will tend to copy their
language, gestures, and nonverbal communication (Kassin et al., 2020). As groups grow larger in
size, there is more anonymity and arousal. Changes in conformity can be determined depending
on the social environment that an individual finds themselves in as well as the culture. For
example, the class text suggests that individualistic cultures differ in what they would consider
socially acceptable compared to collectivist cultures (Kassin et al., 2020)
Group Processes
Groups are formed for various reasons. At times individuals will join a group in order to
complete a task they believe cannot be performed singlehandedly, while others seek a greater
sense of self-esteem or purpose (Kassin et, al., 2020). Individuals may decide to remain in a
group even after the initial task is completed if the group appears to function in a cohesive
manner. Depending on culture and social norms, however, groups may weigh important
3
characteristics differently. In instances in which individuals decide that a group lacks in
cohesiveness, they may experience group polarization in which group members will seek the
favoring of unanimous and favoring opinions (Hawley et al., 2014). In order to maintain group
cohesiveness, individuals must set practical goals and seek a plan of action in order to reach
those goals in a realistic manner. It is imperative that groups do not set vague and generic goals
because those goals may not be as straightforward to reach whereas systematic and step-by-step
actions work well for a group working together as a whole.
Applying Conformity and Group Processes
The class text offers various explanations as to why individuals conform and ways in
which groups are cohesive. When individuals are establishing their social self, they tend to select
those in which they want to be in a group with for selective and specific reasons. In 2014, a study
was conducted on unhealthy drinking habits and behaviors among adolescent participants. The
study found that participants were more likely to conform to drinking when hanging out with
those who drink in comparison to those who decided not to drink when hanging out with those
who do not drink. This affirms the idea of conformity – that proximity and likeness play a key
role in influences and decision-making (Hawley et al., 2014). Another study conducted in 2014
sought to examine student athletes with a comparison group of non-athletes. Researchers
hypothesized that in-group favoritism and out-group bias would be presented in both groups
(Hawley et al., 2014). In other words, non-athletes were more likely to hang out with non-
athletes, while athletes were more likely to hang out with athletes, and in this way in-group
favoritism and out-group bias was represented.
Conclusion
4
The class text provided further insight into the reasons as to why individuals are likely to
conform in obedience. Additionally, the text presented different ways in which individuals are
influenced in a social manner depending upon whether the group is considered collectivist or
individualistic in nature. Finally, negative, and positive outcomes of group processes and
conformity were assessed and reviewed. It is imperative to be able to appropriately discern
between these distinct concepts so that individuals can respectively apply them in their own
lives.
5
References
Hawley, L. R., Hosch, H. M., & Bovaird, J. A. (2014). Exploring social identity theory and the
‘black sheep effect’ among college student-athletes and non-athletes. Journal of Sport
Behavior, 37(1), 56-76.
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2020). Social Psychology (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Ress, C., Wallace, D. (2014). The myth of conformity: Adolescents and abstention from
unhealthy drinking behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 108, 34-45.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
