Which theory suggests social pressure can be either normative or informational?

Which theory suggests social pressure can be either normative or informational?

• A. Social influence theory
• B. Social identity theory
• C. Conformity theory
• D. Attribution theory

Answer: (A)

The theory that suggests social pressure can be either normative or informational is social influence theory. This theory posits that individuals are influenced by the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others, and this influence can manifest in two primary ways: normative social influence, which occurs when people conform to gain acceptance or avoid rejection from a group, and informational social influence, where individuals conform because they believe others are correct in their judgments in situations where they lack knowledge. By understanding this distinction, we can see how social influence shapes behaviors in varied contexts, such as peer pressure or decision-making in ambiguous situations. This nuanced approach to understanding social pressures is central to social influence theory, demonstrating its relevance in examining how and why individuals adjust their actions to align with those around them. The other theories mentioned do not specifically categorize social pressure in these two distinct types.

The theory that suggests social pressure can be either normative or informational is social influence theory. This theory posits that individuals are influenced by the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of others, and this influence can manifest in two primary ways: normative social influence, which occurs when people conform to gain acceptance or avoid rejection from a group, and informational social influence, where individuals conform because they believe others are correct in their judgments in situations where they lack knowledge.

By understanding this distinction, we can see how social influence shapes behaviors in varied contexts, such as peer pressure or decision-making in ambiguous situations. This nuanced approach to understanding social pressures is central to social influence theory, demonstrating its relevance in examining how and why individuals adjust their actions to align with those around them. The other theories mentioned do not specifically categorize social pressure in these two distinct types.