informational social influence
Informational social influence occurs when individuals look to others for guidance in uncertain situations, believing that others possess more accurate information. This often happens in groups where an individual may doubt their own knowledge and thus conform to the views or attitudes of those around them, assuming they are correct. For example, if someone is uncertain about a general knowledge topic and sees others confidently discussing it, they may adopt that viewpoint, hoping to align with what they perceive as the right answer. This influence highlights how social contexts can shape our understanding and beliefs.
Additional Insights
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Informational social influence occurs when individuals look to others for guidance on how to think or act, especially in uncertain situations. This happens because people generally assume that others' knowledge or opinions are accurate or valid. For instance, if you're unsure about a fact at a trivia game, you might observe which answer others choose, trusting their judgment. This influence can enhance our understanding and decision-making but can also lead to conformity, sometimes even when the group's views are incorrect. In essence, we rely on social cues to inform our understanding of the world around us.