Which term best describes the behavior that occurs when individuals yield to group pressure?

Get more with Examzify Plus

Remove ads, unlock favorites, save progress, and access premium tools across devices.

FavoritesSave progressAd-free
From $9.99Learn more

Study for the AP Psychology Social Psychology Test. Access multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The term that best describes the behavior that occurs when individuals yield to group pressure is conformity. Conformity involves adjusting one's attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to align with those of a group, often as a result of real or perceived social pressure. This can occur in various situations, such as when people change their opinions to fit in with a social crowd or when they adopt group norms even if they initially disagree.

Conformity is particularly focused on changing behavior or beliefs due to the desire to be accepted or to avoid rejection within a social group. It can be influenced by factors such as the desire for social acceptance, the importance of the group, and the individual's confidence in their own beliefs.

Other terms like obedience refer to following direct commands or instructions from an authority figure, while compliance denotes a change in behavior but can occur without the internal acceptance that characterizes conformity. Persuasion involves actively changing someone's beliefs or attitudes through argument or social influence, rather than simply yielding to group pressure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy