Influence of Social Influence in Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY 1
Answer to Question a)
There are a number of ways in which people influence the beliefs, feelings, and
behaviors of others, collectively known as the social influence. Compliance refers to the kind
of social influence when an individual’s behavior is changed because of the implicit or
explicit request made by another. Obedience is referred to as an active type of influence
which is generally a response to the direct command of an authoritative figure (Haslam &
Reicher, 2017). Conformity in contrast to the above is the passive form of influence which an
individual observes the actions of the others and adjust his or her behavior accordingly.
The article “Opinions and social pressure” by Asch, (1955), goes with conformity.
The work of Milgram (1963) that is the “Behavioral study of obedience” goes with obedience
and finally the work of Haney, Banks & Zimbardo (1973) is in line with the compliance.
Answer to Question b)
The work of Solomon Asch describes that how normal human beings can be
pressurized by the consensus of opinion around them or chiefly the authoritative figures,
leading them to indulge in unusual behavior. The work of Asch demonstrates the opposition
to the self-justification which is one of the prime necessity of the group discussions.
In a society, often individuals entrust groups, rather than individuals in respect of the
key decisions, say the ones made by juries and political parties. Groups can make efficient
decisions only when the members are cooperative in addition to being rationale. Groupthink
or the strong conformity pressures leading to group members being afraid to express their
ideas rationally in spite of being competent to do so, leads to ineffective group discussions
(Newell, Lagnado & Shanks, 2015). The scenario is most likely to occur when members are
feeling strong social identity such as the creation of a positive group feeling by a powerful
and directive leader. Thus, it can be stated that the group discussions are often characterized
by the concentrated amount of conformity instead of fostering free and open discussion
between the members.
Answer to Question c)
Recent events and investigations are in opposition to the some of the implications of
Milgram's findings and are often stated to be questioning the results and procedures involved.
It is essential to note that researches have led to the establishment of the fact that though