Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main finding of Sherif's (1936) autokinetic effect experiment regarding norm formation?

Accepted Answer

Participants' estimates converged toward a group norm, even when later tested alone.

Question 2

In Asch's (1955) line judgment study, what type of social influence primarily led participants to conform to the group's clearly incorrect answers?

Accepted Answer

Normative influence, because participants wanted to fit in with the group.

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates informational social influence?

Accepted Answer

A student changes their answer on a test after seeing others choose a different option, believing the others know more.

Question 4

According to Latané & Darley (1968), which factor most strongly decreases the likelihood of bystander intervention in emergencies?

Accepted Answer

The presence of multiple bystanders, leading to diffusion of responsibility.

Question 5

In Milgram's obedience study, what was the main psychological process that allowed participants to administer high levels of shock?

Accepted Answer

Participants acted as mere agents, diffusing responsibility to the experimenter.

Question 6

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between group size and conformity rate, as observed in Asch's studies?

Accepted Answer

$$C = k \cdot \log(n)$$ where $$C is $$conformity rate and $$n is $$group size, and $$k is a $$constant.

Question 7

Which of the following is a boundary condition where the bystander effect is reduced, according to Fischer et al. (2011)?

Accepted Answer

When the situation is seen as dangerous.

Question 8

A person witnesses smoke entering a room but does not report it because others seem unconcerned. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Pluralistic ignorance.

Question 9

Which real-world scenario best illustrates the concept of diffusion of responsibility?

Accepted Answer

A group of tourists ignores a person in distress, assuming someone else will help.

Question 10

In the Asch (1955) study, what happened to conformity rates when participants wrote their answers privately instead of saying them aloud?

Accepted Answer

Conformity rates decreased.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes a norm in social psychology?

Accepted Answer

A shared expectation for how people should think, feel, and behave.

Question 12

Which factor most strongly reduces conformity, according to Asch's findings?

Accepted Answer

Having at least one dissenter in the group.

Question 13

In Milgram's study, which manipulation led to lower obedience rates?

Accepted Answer

Having the participant direct another person to give shocks.

Question 14

Which equation best represents the probability of bystander intervention as group size increases, based on Latané & Darley (1968)?

Accepted Answer

$$P = \frac{1}{n}$$ where $$P is $$probability of intervention and $$n is $$group size.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

A person wears a certain style of clothing to be accepted by their peers.

Question 16

Which cultural factor is associated with higher rates of conformity?

Accepted Answer

Collectivist cultures.

Question 17

A group of people is asked to estimate the movement of a stationary light. Over time, their estimates converge. This phenomenon is best explained by:

Accepted Answer

Norm formation through informational social influence.

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why people conform in ambiguous situations?

Accepted Answer

They believe others have more accurate information.

Question 19

In the context of social influence, what is pluralistic ignorance?

Accepted Answer

Mistakenly assuming no one else in a group perceives what you do.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of unanimity on conformity rates?

Accepted Answer

Conformity rates decrease when there is at least one dissenter.

Social Influence: Conformity, Obedience, and Bystander Intervention

Study Guide - Practice Questions