Sociology: Examining Group Dynamics, Individual Influence, and Effects

This sociology essay discusses the influence of group dynamics on individual behavior, referencing Solomon Asch's experiment and personal experiences to illustrate conformity and independent thinking. It defines group dynamics, explains systems theory, and identifies factors like communication patterns and social status that affect group behavior. The essay highlights both positive and negative impacts of group influence, such as enhanced interaction, shared goals, and emotional support, ultimately emphasizing how group membership shapes individual perceptions and self-esteem. Desklib provides a platform for students to access similar essays and study resources.

Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Sociology
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
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1SOCIOLOGY
Discussion 1
From the given statement regarding the experiment by psychologist Solomon Asch
regarding the length on the cards and the response of the research assistants, I think I would not
have done the same like the students in the survey. I would have gone against the opinion of the
members of the group in the given context and state my viewpoint regarding the correct answers
with logical reasoning.
I remember an instance in my school days during a lecture on geometry and mensuration
where my class teacher was taking an oral class test on a particular chapter after her lecture was
complete. I clearly remember how I went along with the group of my friends in the classroom for
answering the questions of my teacher without even agreeing and listening to them. Some of the
basic factors that influenced me that time to go with the decisions of the group are the difficulty
of my understanding on the topic of geometry, the size of the group of my friends who were
answering the questions and lack of clarity of knowledge related to the subject which was
discussed in the classroom.
The above scenario only rose during the lectures of science classes. During the
humanities and the literature classes, there was a couple of times I went against the group of my
friends in the classroom to present my opinion regarding the subject of discussion since I was
confident enough regarding the subjects of study.
The influence of group on the individual is basically characterized by psychological
pressure on an individual on moving his opinions, perceptions, and judgments towards the
consensus of the group. In the context of the influence of the individual on the group, it can be
stated that since lots of individuals’ forms a group, hence changes and certain types of

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personalities of individuals belonging to a group can result in substantial effects on the behavior
and the decision of the group.

3SOCIOLOGY
Assignment 1
What is group dynamics? Present the variables that affect it and give examples of how different
groups might influence the individuals belonging to them
Group dynamics are the procedure that takes place among the members of the group.
Group dynamics are affected by the feelings, thoughts, relationship, and expressions of each
group members1. These help in the understanding of the actions of each person presented in the
group.
The theory by which the process of group dynamics can be explained is the systems
theory. The theory states the behavior of individuals within a system or a group. The theory
highlights that group dynamics is a complex process and is best understood as the combination
of the characteristics of each of the members of the group. The theory illustrates the reciprocal
and cyclical feedback loop of the group dynamics that tends to affect all the members of the
group and their actions.
Variables or the factors that affect the group dynamics include patterns of communication
among the group, the social status of the members of the group and the powers and roles of the
group members. The effectiveness of a group is achieved when the group dynamics are clear.
Some of the other factors that influence the dynamic structure of the group are the nature of the
members, the skill of the leaders of the members in the group and the nature and characteristics
of the members of the group.
1 Henslin, James M., et al. Sociology: A down to earth approach. Pearson Higher Education AU, 2015.

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Individual decisions and behavior can be greatly influenced by the presence of other
members of a group. There lies both positive and negative impact of the influence of group on
the behavior of an individual. Some of the examples in how groups tend to influence the
behavior of the person in it are enabling interaction within the team members both directly and
indirectly, encouraging all the individuals to share their concern and target a common goal,
providing members with comfort and a friendly environment so that they perceive themselves as
being a part of the group2. Furthermore being part of a group enables an individual to enhance
their perceptions regarding their nature and self-esteem. A group furthermore encourages and
provides opportunities to its members to achieve their aims with any of their talents. Finally, at
the time of difficulties and sorrow, groups provide the required emotional support to its
members. The very fact that an individual belongs to a group enables the individual to feel
accepted and boost up the self-esteem to work towards the achievement of the goals of the group.
2 Henslin, James M., et al. Sociology: A down to earth approach. Pearson Higher Education AU, 2015.

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References
Henslin, James M., et al. Sociology: A down to earth approach. Pearson Higher Education AU,
2015.