Social Psychology Lecture Notes

Definition

• Social Psychology: The study of how individuals think, feel, and behave in social interactions.
  • Individuals may act differently in groups than when alone.

Group Processes

Conformity

• Conformity: Tendency for people to align their behavior with group norms.
  • Known as peer pressure.
  • Positive peers lead to positive outcomes; negative peers can lead to negative outcomes.

Reasons for Conformity

1. Informative Influence
   • Occurs when an individual is uncertain and looks to the group for guidance.
   • Assumes the group is correct.
2. Normative Influence
   • Occurs when an individual conforms to avoid social rejection, even when they know the group's method is incorrect.

Types of Conformity

• Private Conformity: Changing behaviors and opinions to align with the group.
• Public Conformity: Temporarily or superficially changing outwardly while maintaining one’s own beliefs internally.

Group Polarization

• Group Polarization: Group decision amplifies original opinions of group members.
  • Majority viewpoints have more influence.
  • Discussions favor the majority view; criticisms target minority views.
  • Confirmation Bias: Group members reinforce majority view, amplifying it.

Group Think

• Group Think: Maintaining group harmony is prioritized over careful problem analysis.
  • Occurs in cohesive, insulated groups with powerful leaders.
  • Members may suppress doubts due to pressure to conform.
  • First suggestions, especially by a leader, are often adopted without exploring alternatives.

Preventing Negative Group Processes

• Bring in experts or outsiders for unbiased opinions.
• Encourage open discussions and consider multiple solutions.
• Leaders should refrain from initial opinion disclosure to avoid bias.

Summary

• Conformity, group think, and group polarization are key group processes.
• These processes can be positive if the group is open-minded and considers various viewpoints.

Next Steps

• Future topic: More on groups and social behaviors.