Testing How Group Norms Shape Perception

Conformity is the tendency to match attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs to group norms. Psychologists in the early to mid 1900s studied how strong social influence can be on thought and behavior. This work was influenced in part by efforts to explain the behavior of Nazi soldiers in World War II.

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Individuals are undoubtedly shaped by others, and researchers can examine how social influences?whether unconscious or overt?affect thoughts and behaviors.

Take for instance, a busy street intersection. Someone wanting to cross safely will wait for the correct symbol. However, when joined by a group of others?who seem to be in a hurry and ...