What´s Social Psychology Essay - 1576 Words

Social psychology is a scientific-based study which is used to examine and explain how an individual’s thoughts and feelings affect their behaviour within a society; how the members socially interact, including their motives; and what influences these members have on each other. This essay will endeavour to introduce the key psychologists, their theories and the idiographic research they conducted. In particular, it will focus on the features and definition of conformity and the investigations into the views on conformity. Furthermore, it aims to critically analyse and reveal a correlation in the results and conclusions in respect to the current comprehension of human social behaviour. Conformity is a form of social influence and is†¦show more content†¦It is when a smaller portion of a group takes an unpopular stance and they manage to persuade the mass over to their way of thinking. This is usually a tactical and consistent influence performed over a longer period of time, with the minority being stubborn in their views, never compromising and always giving passionate arguments to every dispute or indifference. Christopher Columbus was in the minority in his belief that the earth was spherical. â€Å"Columbus had to fight these foolish beliefs in order to get men to sail with him. He felt sure the earth was round.† It is a normative social influence when people conform to ideas which bring acceptance and approval from others. One real account of this is an experience publicised by a lady known as ‘Mary-Anne,’ whilst socialising with three friends. She displayed an instance of public compliance, through concurring with a group norm, even though it conflicted with her inner principles. Mary-Anne explains how she later regretted this moment of weakness. This particular type of conformity can be defined as a person allowing an influence from (an)other person(s) to determine their decisions and behaviour, thus rejecting or ignoring their own true needs and impulses and often going against a better judgement. Crutchfield (1962) proposed that it is (individuals) â€Å"...yielding to group pressures.† AShow MoreRelatedAdaptive Social Behaviors, Conformity, Compliance And Obedience1369 Words   |  6 PagesAdaptive Social Behaviours Conformity, compliance and obedience are a set of adaptive social behaviours that one makes use of to get by in daily social activities. They are all some form of social influence, which causes a change in a particular person or group’s behaviour, attitude and/or feelings (Cialdini, 2000, 2006). 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