Psychology Degree Social Influence and Behavior 4

Question 1

Which condition in Milgram's obedience study produced the LOWEST rates of full compliance?

Accepted Answer

Two experimenters giving conflicting orders

Answer

When two experimenters contradicted each other, nearly all participants stopped, because the authority structure collapsed.

Question 2

Social facilitation theory predicts that the presence of others improves performance on:

Accepted Answer

Well-learned, simple tasks

Answer

Arousal caused by others' presence enhances the dominant response — which is correct for well-practiced tasks but incorrect for difficult ones.

Question 3

Which phenomenon occurs when group members prioritize harmony over critical thinking, leading to poor decisions?

Accepted Answer

Groupthink

Answer

Groupthink involves suppression of dissent and illusions of invulnerability that lead to defective group decision-making.

Question 4

Normative social influence is driven primarily by the desire to:

Accepted Answer

Be liked and accepted by others

Answer

Normative influence involves conforming to gain social approval or avoid rejection, independent of whether the group is actually correct.

Question 5

A researcher finds that people tip more when the server touches them briefly on the arm. This best illustrates which influence principle?

Accepted Answer

Liking

Answer

Physical touch can increase liking and rapport, and people are more likely to comply with requests from those they like.

Psychology Degree Practice Test