Social Influence
The purpose of this assignment is to help you understand the difference
between informational and normative influence, as well as acceptance and
compliance, by relating the textbook to your own behavior.
Answer in full sentences. Make sure to correct grammar and spelling before
making your final submission. Deductions of 5 – 30 points will be made for
excessive errors. You can either use the Psychology tutor on UpSwing or on-
campus tutors. At the minimum, set the grammar/spelling checker in your
word processor to its most strict level.
Late penalty will be -20 points per day, -10 points for each 12 hours late.
1. Definitions
Copy the definitions of informational influence and normative influence
from the textbook. Copy the definitions of acceptance and compliance
from the textbook. Your definitions must be enclosed within quotation
marks and the page numbers must be inside parentheses, using APA
style: (p. 123). Only definitions from Myers & Twenge, Social Psychology
will be accepted. (4 x 5 = 20 points)
2. Informational influence
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking
due to informational influence. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of informational influence.
(10 points)
3. Normative influence
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking
due to normative influence. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of normative influence.
(10 points)
4. Acceptance
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking
exhibiting acceptance. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of acceptance. (10 points)
5. Compliance
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking
exhibiting compliance. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of compliance. (10 points)
Provide four separate examples.
Do not use the same example for more than one concept.
Page | 2
Brief examples
Explaining your answers is key to receiving the most points. Your examples
need enough detail to give a clear picture of what is happening.
1. Definitions
• The definition of informational influence is “abc…xyz.” (p. 444).
• The definition of normative influence is “def….uvw.” (p. 445).
• The definition of private acceptance is “lmn…rst.” (p. 231).
• The definition of compliance is “jkl…ghi.” (p. 333).
2. Informational influence
a) Several years ago, while visiting my brother in NY, we went to a Mets
game. I had gone to get some refreshments and in the process of returning
to my seat, I was paying more attention to my hot dog and beer than the
action on the field. Suddenly, everyone around me stood up and looked
towards the sky. I too looked up and saw a foul pop-up heading right in my
direction.
b) This was an example of informational influence because. . . .
3. Normative influence
a) A specific movie was recommended to me by several people. Everyone
who had seen it gave it glowing reviews. In fact, I was told it was so
good…”You just have to see it!” My interest was stimulated by their 5-star
ratings. Much to my surprise, after seeing it I didn’t like it very much. It
was boring and I guessed the ending well in advance. However, when those
who recommended it to me asked if I had liked it, I replied that I had.
b) This fits the definition of normative influence because. . . .
4)Acceptance
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking exhibiting acceptance. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of acceptance. (10 points)
Compliance
a) Give an example of how you changed your behavior and/or thinking exhibiting compliance. (10 points)
b) Explain how your example fits the definition of compliance. (10 points)