Conformity in Social Psychology: Understanding Group Influence

Question 1

How do cultural values and societal norms shape conformity?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values and societal norms influence conformity by establishing expectations for appropriate behavior.

Answer

Cultural values and societal norms have no impact on conformity.

Answer

Cultural values and societal norms only influence conformity in cultures that emphasize collectivism.

Answer

Cultural values and societal norms do not influence conformity; individuals conform solely to avoid social disapproval.

Question 2

Evaluate the ethical implications of conformity, considering both its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Accepted Answer

The ethical implications of conformity depend on the context and specific situation.

Answer

Conformity always benefits society by fostering group cohesion.

Answer

Conformity is inherently unethical because it erodes individual freedom.

Question 3

Which conformity theory focuses on the desire for social acceptance and avoidance of rejection?

Accepted Answer

Normative Social Influence Theory

Answer

Informational Social Influence Theory

Answer

Obedience Theory

Question 4

Analyze the potential advantages and disadvantages of conformity for individuals and society. Provide specific real-life examples to illustrate your points.

Accepted Answer

Conformity can foster group unity, uphold social norms, and create a sense of belonging. However, it can also stifle individuality, lead to groupthink, and encourage unethical behavior.

Answer

Conformity is inherently beneficial and never has negative consequences.

Answer

Providing examples to support arguments is unnecessary.

Question 5

Individuals who have a strong need for social approval are generally more likely to conform.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 6

The pluralistic ignorance effect refers to:

Accepted Answer

The tendency for individuals to underestimate the extent of conformity in a group

Answer

The tendency for individuals to conform even when they know their beliefs are incorrect

Answer

The belief that one's own opinions are correct even when they are not

Answer

The belief that one's own beliefs are unique even when they are not

Question 7

Conformity can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on society.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of informational conformity?

Accepted Answer

Accepting a group's beliefs because they appear to be correct

Answer

Agreeing with a group's opinion to gain social approval

Answer

Adjusting one's behavior to fit group norms

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences conformity?

Accepted Answer

Gender

Answer

Group size

Answer

Clarity of the norm

Answer

Culture

Question 10

Who conducted the famous conformity experiment where participants judged the length of lines?

Accepted Answer

Solomon Asch

Answer

Stanley Milgram

Answer

Philip Zimbardo

Answer

Leon Festinger

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of informational social influence?

Accepted Answer

A celebrity endorsing a product.

Answer

A group of teenagers wearing similar clothing.

Answer

A person changing their opinion to match their friend's.

Question 12

In the Asch line experiment, participants who conformed to the incorrect majority opinion were likely motivated by:

Accepted Answer

A desire for social approval

Answer

A desire for accuracy

Answer

A need for belonging

Question 13

How does conformity affect individuals' self-perception and independent thinking?

Accepted Answer

Conformity weakens personal identity and diminishes independent thought.

Answer

Conformity strengthens personal identity and promotes critical thinking.

Answer

Conformity has no impact on personal identity or independent thought.

Answer

Conformity strengthens personal identity and hinders critical thinking.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a type of conformity?

Accepted Answer

Persuasion

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Identification

Answer

Obedience

Question 15

According to Solomon Asch's experiment, what percentage of participants conformed at least once to the group's incorrect judgment?

Accepted Answer

33%

Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Question 16

Which of the following factors has been shown to increase conformity the most?

Accepted Answer

Group unanimity

Answer

Group size

Answer

Personal self-esteem

Answer

Cultural background

Question 17

The Milgram experiment demonstrated that people are more likely to obey authority figures when:

Accepted Answer

The authority figure is perceived as legitimate.

Answer

The order is seen as morally questionable.

Answer

The individual is in a familiar setting.

Answer

The task involves physical harm to others.

Question 18

According to the information-social influence theory, people conform to gain:

Accepted Answer

Social acceptance and approval

Answer

Accurate information

Answer

Material rewards

Answer

Protection from social rejection

Question 19

In the classic Asch conformity experiment, participants were asked to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate the length of lines

Answer

Solve math problems

Answer

Identify colors

Answer

Judge the weight of objects

Question 20

According to social psychology, normative social influence occurs when people conform to:

Accepted Answer

Gain approval from others

Answer

Avoid punishment

Answer

Obtain accurate information

Answer

Reduce uncertainty

Question 21

Which of the following is a technique individuals may use to resist conformity?

Accepted Answer

Minority influence

Answer

Social identity theory

Answer

Social loafing

Answer

Groupthink

Question 22

Under which conditions is conformity most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Large and unanimous group

Answer

Small and diverse group

Answer

Culturally heterogeneous group

Answer

Group led by a weak authority figure

Question 23

Individuals with high self-esteem are generally:

Accepted Answer

Less likely to conform

Answer

More likely to conform

Answer

Unaffected by conformity

Answer

More likely to lead conformity

Question 24

Which of the following is an example of informational social influence?

Accepted Answer

Changing your opinion after hearing an expert

Answer

Following the herd when crossing the street

Answer

Conforming to social norms to avoid rejection

Answer

Adopting the beliefs of a religious group

Question 25

Which of the following is a strategy that individuals can use to resist conformity?

Accepted Answer

Thinking independently

Answer

Comparing themselves to others

Answer

Going along with the group to fit in

Answer

Following social norms

Question 26

According to social identity theory, individuals tend to conform more when they identify with a group as part of their:

Accepted Answer

In-group

Answer

Out-group

Answer

Reference group

Answer

Minority group

Question 27

Which of the following is an example of informational conformity?

Accepted Answer

Changing one's belief to match that of the group

Answer

Adopting a behavior because it is seen as socially acceptable

Answer

Conforming to avoid being rejected

Answer

Conforming to gain approval

Question 28

What is the term for the tendency for individuals to overestimate the extent to which others conform to a group's norms?

Accepted Answer

False consensus effect

Answer

Pluralistic ignorance

Answer

Group polarization

Answer

Social loafing

Question 29

Which of the following cultures is typically characterized by a high level of collectivism, which may promote conformity?

Accepted Answer

Japan

Answer

United States

Answer

Germany

Answer

Great Britain

Question 30

Which form of conformity involves altering one's behaviors to gain approval from others?

Accepted Answer

Normative conformity

Answer

Informational conformity

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Identification

Question 31

True or False: Conformity is simply a negative social phenomenon with no positive aspects.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

True

Question 32

Which of the following categories is NOT a form of conformity?

Accepted Answer

Coercion

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Identification

Answer

Internalization

Question 33

The tendency to adjust one's behavior or beliefs to align with those of a group is known as:

Accepted Answer

Conformity

Answer

Internalization

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Assimilation

Question 34

Solomon Asch's conformity experiments primarily demonstrated the influence of:

Accepted Answer

Normative influence

Answer

Informational influence

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Social facilitation

Question 35

How does conformity influence social phenomena in modern society, such as mob mentality, political polarization, or consumer trends?

Accepted Answer

People are more likely to conform when they feel uncertain or anxious.

Answer

Conformity only significantly affects individual behavior in controlled laboratory environments.

Answer

Conformity is inherently negative and always leads to detrimental outcomes.

Answer

Conformity is solely relevant in small groups and has no impact on broader social phenomena.

Question 36

Which factor does NOT generally increase conformity?

Accepted Answer

High self-esteem

Answer

Ambiguity of the situation

Answer

Group unanimity

Answer

Cultural norms

Question 37

Which type of conformity involves the alignment of private beliefs and attitudes with group norms?

Accepted Answer

Internalization

Answer

Compliance

Answer

Identification

Answer

Social comparison

Question 38

An example of internalization as a type of conformity is:

Accepted Answer

Changing one's genuine beliefs to match those of a group

Answer

Publicly agreeing with a group's opinion while privately disagreeing

Answer

Adopting a behavior to fit in with a group

Answer

Seeking approval from a group by conforming to its norms

Question 39

The presence of others, even if they do not express opinions or exert pressure, can have an influence on our behavior.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 40

In the classic "Prisoner's Dilemma" experiment, participants often engage in self-serving behavior. Why is this?

Accepted Answer

Choices made are based on a desire to maximize personal gain.

Answer

They are afraid of being the sole cooperator.

Answer

They lack empathy for their partners.

Answer

They are influenced by the expectations of the group.

Question 41

In the Asch conformity experiment, approximately what percentage of participants conformed to the incorrect group consensus at least once?

Accepted Answer

32%

Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences conformity?

Accepted Answer

A culture that emphasizes personal independence.

Answer

The level of uncertainty in a situation.

Answer

The number of individuals in a group.

Answer

Self-confidence.

Question 43

According to the Sherif autokinetic effect experiment, judgments made by individuals are more likely to align with the group when the situation is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity.

Answer

Clarity and certainty.

Answer

Absence of social interaction.

Answer

High levels of stress.

Question 44

Which strategy can be effectively employed to resist conformity?

Accepted Answer

Seeking out and considering diverse viewpoints.

Answer

Consistently agreeing with the majority.

Answer

Avoiding social situations.

Answer

Adhering strictly to group norms.

Question 45

The Milgram obedience experiments demonstrated that people's willingness to follow instructions from authority figures is primarily determined by:

Accepted Answer

Specific situational factors.

Answer

Lack of relation to conformity.

Answer

Always being rational and justified.

Answer

Low self-esteem.

Question 46

Which of the following factors does NOT contribute to increased conformity?

Accepted Answer

A society that emphasizes individualism.

Answer

Ambiguous situations.

Answer

Informational influence.

Answer

Group solidarity.

Question 47

Identify a potential positive outcome of conformity:

Accepted Answer

Enhanced cohesion within the group.

Answer

Suppressed creativity.

Answer

Loss of personal autonomy.

Answer

Increased likelihood of poor decision-making.

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences conformity?

Accepted Answer

Self-confidence

Answer

Informational influence

Answer

Social norms

Answer

Group cohesiveness

Question 49

Which type of conformity occurs when individuals change their behavior to align with group norms out of a desire to be liked or accepted?

Accepted Answer

Normative conformity

Answer

Obedience

Answer

Coercive conformity

Answer

Informational conformity

Question 50

Which of the following is a potential positive consequence of conformity?

Accepted Answer

It promotes social order and cooperation.

Answer

It leads to more independent thinking.

Answer

It enhances creativity and innovation.

Answer

It fosters individualism and self-expression.

Question 51

When an individual changes their behavior or opinions due to their perception of what is expected by others, they are experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Normative influence

Answer

Informational influence

Answer

Coercive conformity

Answer

Social identity theory

Question 52

Which of the following is an effective strategy for resisting conformity?

Accepted Answer

Actively seeking out and considering dissenting opinions.

Answer

Avoiding social situations altogether.

Answer

Always agreeing with the majority opinion.

Answer

Adopting a highly submissive attitude.

Question 53

The phenomenon where the presence of others working on a similar task improves individual performance is known as:

Accepted Answer

Social facilitation

Answer

Diffusion of responsibility

Answer

Group polarization

Answer

Cognitive dissonance

Question 54

The tendency for individuals to overestimate their level of conformity in retrospect is known as:

Accepted Answer

The retrospective overconformity effect

Answer

The sleeper effect

Answer

The placebo effect

Answer

The bandwagon effect