Social Behavior and Normative and Informational Social Influences (Essay Sample)

To prepare for this discussion, please read: ( I attachedMaterialyou may need)
 Chapter 8 Conformity and Obedience
 Chapter 9 Groups
 Milestones in the Psychological Analysis of Social Influence
 One Hundred years group research: Introduction to the special Issue
 Watch Everybody’s doing it. https://youtu.be/P00i7_C8tl8
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In this discussion, you will consider social behavior and the various normative and informational social influences you encounter in your everyday life, including the impact of groups on individual thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Complete the following:
 Appraise your behavior for a period of 24 hours.
o Identify at least 10 behaviors in which you engage that are due to conformity or obedience. Strive to identify less obvious examples that will allow for greater insight and a more interesting discussion. For example, how do you greet people or respond to messages? Which rules or social norms do you break, and which do you follow?
o Discuss the situational factors that impact your beliefs and behaviors.
o Describe potential social and cultural influences.
o Analyze five of your logged behaviors, determining whether they are due to normative or informational influence and whether group pressures apply.
 Then, select one of the following options below:
o Choose one mundane behavior from your log that is based on a social norm. Violate this norm. Be sure you are not breaking any rules or laws or putting yourself at risk in any way. Here is a link to Examples of Norm Violation, but feel free to come up with your own (or Google search for additional ideas. Or,
o Spend 24 hours living “a day of nonconformity,” living each minute as uninfluenced as possible (without infringing on the rights of others). Strive to be your true, unfettered self.
 Examine your social influence log and your experience living a day of nonconformity or violating a social norm. Include the following in your summary:
o To what extent is your everyday behavior shaped by social influence? Why or why not?
o How do people react when you do not conform/obey?
o What factors influence people to follow? (e.g., leaders, groups, etc.)
o Is conformity a good thing, or a bad thing? Explain your point of view.
o How do social and/or cultural differences play a role in social influence?
To fully demonstrate content knowledge and critical thinking, your Social Influence discussion must
 Interpret course concepts explicitly, applying them to your personal experiences/observations, and cite the required readings as appropriate.
 Be thorough and specific, structuring your work intentionally (with an introductory and concluding sentence or two), providing clear context, and concisely and precisely explaining relevant course concepts.
 Use personal examples to illustrate as appropriate, but do be sure to provide an objective analysis too, referencing required materials and using additional sources as needed to support your insight.