Under which of the following conditions is informational social influence most likely to occur?

• A. When individuals are confident in their own knowledge and the situation is clear
• B. When people are motivated to fit in with a group regardless of accuracy
• C. When group members have little expertise or knowledge about the topic
• D. When the situation is ambiguous and individuals are unsure how to behave

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of informational social influence, which occurs when individuals look to others for guidance in ambiguous situations to gain accurate information.
2. Identify the key condition for informational social influence: the situation must be unclear or ambiguous, causing uncertainty about how to behave.
3. Recognize that when individuals are confident in their own knowledge and the situation is clear, they are less likely to rely on others for information, so informational social influence is unlikely.
4. Note that motivation to fit in with a group regardless of accuracy relates more to normative social influence, which is about social acceptance rather than seeking correct information.
5. Understand that if group members lack expertise or knowledge, they are less likely to provide useful information, reducing the likelihood of informational social influence.