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Chapter 4

Understanding and Influencing Others

Attribution Theory
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality …
Fundamental Attribution Error
According to some social psychologists, people tend to overemphasize internal factors as explanations—or attributions—for the behavior of …
The Stanford Prison Experiment
The famous and controversial Stanford Prison Experiment, conducted by social psychologist Philip Zimbardo and his colleagues at Stanford University, …
Conformity
Conformity is the change in a person’s behavior to go along with the group, even if that person does not agree with the group. …
Obedience
According to obedience research, we may harm others under the forceful pressures of an authority figure (Milgram, 1974). How about if the inappropriate …
Milgram’s Obedience to Authority
Obedience to authority is classically demonstrated in a more famous series of social psychology experiments performed by Stanley Milgram. He was a …
Nonconscious Mimicry
Nonconscious mimicry occurs when individuals alter their mannerisms to match the behaviors and expressions of those nearby, without intention. The …
A Minority of One: Conformity to Group Norms
Source: William Brady & Jay Van Bavel—New York University It is obvious that we are influenced by those around us, but in the early to mid …
Nonconscious Mimicry Occurs when Affiliation Goals are Present
Source: Diego Reinero & Jay Van Bavel—New York University People are social chameleons and regularly engage in nonconscious behavioral mimicry. …