PSY 355 Project One Template

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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355

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Psychology

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Jan 9, 2024

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PSY 355 Project One Template Complete this template by replacing the bracketed text with the relevant information. Part One: Analyzing the Socio-Psychological Foundations of Conformity Analyze the socio-psychological factors that influence our tendency to conform to group pressure. In your analysis, address each of the following rubric criteria in 3 to 5 sentences: 1. Describe the difference between acceptance, compliance, and obedience , and provide examples of how these concepts present within the group dynamic. Acceptance refers to the desire to be liked and approved by others, leading individuals to adopt the group's beliefs and behaviors. Compliance occurs when individuals go along with the group's requests or demands, often due to social pressure or fear of punishment. Obedience, on the other hand, involves following the orders or commands of an authority figure (Mcleod, 2023a). For example, in a student government organization, acceptance may manifest when members conform to the views of popular leaders, compliance may manifest when members conform to rules set by the organization, and obedience may manifest when members follow the instructions of the faculty advisor. 2. Describe the difference between normative influence and informational influence, and provide examples of how these concepts impact the group dynamic. Normative influence occurs when individuals conform to group norms in order to gain acceptance and avoid social rejection. Informational influence occurs when individuals conform to group norms because they believe that others have more accurate knowledge or information. In a student government organization, normative influence may lead members to conform to certain dress codes or behaviors in order to fit in, while informational influence may lead members to conform to decisions made by more experienced or knowledgeable members (Mcleod, 2023a). 3. Describe why cognitive dissonance is not always easy to recognize in ourselves. Cognitive dissonance refers to the discomfort that arises when individuals hold conflicting cognitions or beliefs. It is not always easy to recognize in ourselves because it can be difficult to acknowledge and confront inconsistencies in our own thoughts and behaviors (MSEd, 2022a). People often have a natural tendency to seek consistency and coherence in their beliefs, and recognizing cognitive dissonance can be psychologically challenging. 4. Describe ways to reduce cognitive dissonance and shift to a state of cognitive consonance in the group setting . Ways to reduce cognitive dissonance and shift to a state of cognitive consonance in the group setting include rationalization, where individuals find justifications for their conflicting thoughts or behaviors, and changing behaviors or beliefs to align with the group or social norms. By doing 1

so, individuals can reduce their internal discomfort and align themselves with the majority opinion. 5. Describe the factors that may impact a person’s ability or desire to deviate from the norm and choose not to conform to group pressure. The factors that may impact a person's ability or desire to deviate from the norm and choose not to conform to group pressure include personal values and beliefs, confidence in one's own opinions, social support from others who share similar views, and the perception of the potential consequences of non-conformity. If a person strongly values individuality and independence, they may be more resistant to conforming to group pressure. Part Two: Reflecting On the Conformity Experience Reflect upon an authentic experience that occurred either at home, in school, at work, or within the greater community, in which you or someone you know conformed to the majority opinion. In your reflection, address each of the following rubric criteria in 3 to 5 sentences: 1. Describe the influence of unanimity on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion. In the experience I observed at work, the influence of unanimity played a significant role in encouraging individuals to conform to the majority opinion. As the group began discussing a proposed project, it became evident that the majority favored one particular approach. This created a sense of pressure for others to align with the majority opinion, as there was a fear of being seen as an outlier or going against the group consensus. The desire for unity and avoiding conflict led to individuals suppressing their own opinions and deferring to the majority. 2. Describe the influence of cohesion on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion. Cohesion within the group also had a strong influence on conformity to the majority opinion. In this particular situation, the team was highly cohesive and had established a sense of camaraderie and mutual trust. The existing bond and similarity of values and goals made it more difficult for individuals to voice dissent or present alternative viewpoints. The fear of jeopardizing the unity and harmony within the group further reinforced the tendency to conform to the majority opinion rather than standing out or challenging the group consensus. 3. Describe the influence of status on the tendency of group members to conform to the majority opinion. The influence of status within the group was also apparent in the conformity to the majority opinion. In this experience, there was a clear hierarchy within the organization, with certain individuals holding higher positions and having more authority. The higher status individuals in the group were more vocal and assertive, creating an environment where their opinions carried more weight. The perception of the authority and expertise of these individuals influenced 2

others to conform to their viewpoints, as there was a desire to be seen as knowledgeable and respected. The influence of status further reinforced the tendency of group members to align with the majority opinion. Part Three: Integrating the Negative and Positive Aspects of Conformity Within the Group Dynamic Integrate and apply your knowledge of conformity, which can result in both negative and positive outcomes on group collaboration. In your response, address each of the following rubric criteria in one paragraph: 1. Describe the negative effects of conformity on group collaboration. Include the potential impact of conformity on each of the following: A. The motivation of group members B. The identity and individuality of group members C. The perceptions of fairness toward group members D. The creativity and diversity of ideas of group members The negative effects of conformity on group collaboration can include decreased individual motivation, as conformity may suppress unique ideas and perspectives. Conformity can also lead to a loss of individual identity and individuality within the group, as members may feel pressured to conform and suppress their true selves. Additionally, conformity can create perceptions of unfairness if certain members are consistently marginalized or ignored. Furthermore, conformity can limit creativity and diversity of ideas, as group members may be hesitant to deviate from the majority opinion. 2. Describe the positive effects of conformity on group collaboration. Include the potential impact of conformity on each of the following: A. The cohesiveness of group members B. The intergroup harmony between group members C. The productivity level of group members D. The learning amongst group members The positive effects of conformity on group collaboration can include increased cohesiveness among group members, as conformity can create a sense of shared identity and purpose. Conformity can foster intergroup harmony by minimizing conflicts and promoting cooperation. Additionally, conformity can enhance productivity by streamlining decision-making processes and aligning efforts towards a common goal. Moreover, conformity can facilitate learning amongst group members by creating an environment of shared knowledge and experiences. Using the various socio-psychological concepts examined in this project to support your position, share three recommendations for optimizing the group collaboration experience. - Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that values diverse opinions and perspectives. This can be achieved through active encouragement of dissenting views and respectful discussions that challenge the majority opinion. 3

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- Promote transparency and open communication within the group. This will help reduce cognitive dissonance by ensuring that all members have access to accurate information and are aware of the reasoning behind group decisions. - Encourage individual autonomy and critical thinking while still fostering a sense of belonging. By balancing the need for conformity with the importance of individuality, group collaboration can benefit from both the positive aspects of conformity and the unique contributions of each member. Reference: Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023a). What is conformity? Definition, types, psychology research. Simply Psychology . https://www.simplypsychology.org/conformity.html Mcleod, S., PhD. (2023a). Understanding Conformity: Normative vs. Informational Social Influence. Simply Psychology . https://www.simplypsychology.org/normative- informational-social-influence.html MSEd, K. C. (2022a, November 7). What is cognitive dissonance? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012 Laursen, B., & Faur, S. (2022). What does it mean to be susceptible to influence? A brief primer on peer conformity and developmental changes that affect it. International Journal of Behavioral Development , 46 (3), 222–237. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254221084103 4

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