This Is A Graded Discussion - 25 Points Due June 15

This Is A Graded Discussion 25 Points Possible Due Jun 15 At 159amw

This discussion requires you to reflect on how your behavior changes when you are with a particular group of people, why these changes occur, and to provide a personal example of compliance, conformity, or obedience. You should cite relevant concepts and theories supporting your example and make connections to the research and theories discussed in the week’s materials.

Review the resources, including the textbook chapter and lesson content, and respond comprehensively in your initial post. Engage with at least two peers or your instructor in follow-up posts, providing additional insights or clarifications. The discussion should adhere to APA formatting, include a minimum of three posts, and cite at least two sources beyond the assigned readings. The initial post is due by Wednesday, June 10, and the full participation by Sunday, June 14.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the dynamics of social influence is pivotal in social psychology, as it elucidates how individuals’ behaviors are shaped by group interactions and social pressures. According to Feldman (2018), social influence encompasses the ways social groups and individuals exert pressure—whether deliberately or unintentionally—on others to adapt their behaviors, attitudes, or perceptions. This phenomenon manifests prominently through processes such as compliance, conformity, and obedience, each reflecting different mechanisms of social control that influence individual actions.

In my personal experience, I recall a situation when I was with a group of friends at a social gathering. During this event, I noticed my behavior shifting from my usual independent stance to adopting the group's attitude, especially regarding alcohol consumption. Initially, I refrained from drinking, but observing that most others were engaging in drinking and appeared to be having fun, I felt a subtle pressure to conform to their actions. As I experimented with the idea of drinking, I experienced a sense of acceptance and belonging that reinforced my conformity to the group's behavior. This exemplifies normative conformity, where individuals change their behaviors to gain approval or avoid rejection from a group, even when they internally disagree with the group’s actions (McAndrews, 2020).

The underlying reason for this behavioral change, rooted in social influence theories, revolves around the innate human desire for social acceptance and fear of social rejection. As Feldman (2018) explains, conformity often arises from the desire to align with group norms to maintain social harmony or to be perceived favorably. In my case, the need to belong and avoid social exclusion was a significant motivating factor. This aligns with Asch’s (1951) classic studies on conformity, which demonstrated that individuals often yield to group pressure even when they privately disagree, highlighting the powerful influence of social context.

Furthermore, my example highlights that social influence can operate subtly through normative pressures rather than explicit commands. In my scenario, I did not face direct coercion but was influenced through social cues and the desire to be accepted. This is consistent with Feldman’s (2018) description of conformity as a social process driven by unspoken expectations and the desire for social approval. Additionally, the concept of compliance was evident when I initially hesitated but eventually engaged in drinking after observing others. Compliance involves yielding to social pressure to achieve a specific reward or avoid punishment, often without internal acceptance of the behavior (Feldman, 2018). My initial reluctance and subsequent participation exemplify this form of social influence.

Theories such as the Social Impact Theory (Latané, 1981) also provide insight into this behavior. It posits that the strength, immediacy, and number of sources of social influence determine the extent to which an individual conforms. In my case, the strength (peer approval), immediacy (presence at the social event), and number (multiple friends engaging in the activity) amplified the pressure to conform. This cumulative effect pushes individuals toward behaviors that align with the group to minimize social tension or maximize acceptance.

In conclusion, my personal example demonstrates how social influence operates through conformity and compliance, ultimately impacting individual behaviors. The desire for acceptance, combined with subtle social pressures, can lead individuals to act in ways that deviate from their typical behaviors, emphasizing the power of social contexts and group dynamics. Recognizing these influences is essential not only for understanding human behavior but also for designing interventions to promote positive social change and individual empowerment.

References

- Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure upon the judgment of lines. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 46(4), 222–236.

- Feldman, R. S. (2018). Understanding psychology (14th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

- Latané, B. (1981). The psychology of social impact. American Psychologist, 36(4), 343–356.

- McAndrews, F. T. (2020). The eternal challenge of conformity pressure. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/202004/the-eternal-challenge-conformity-pressure