PSYC2013 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Normative Social Influence, Laugh Track, Murder Of Kitty Genovese
Document Summary
We look to others for cues on how to think, feel, and behave. The actions of others validate our own actions. This is particularly true in situation where we are uncertain about the correct way of behaving. Examined how social validation can help overcome phobias. Looked at pre-school children who were scared of dogs. Had them watch another child playing with a dog for 20 minutes per day. After 4 days, 67% of these children were willing to climb into a playpen with a dog. When tested 1 month later, the improvement remained. A video clip was just as effective. Worked best when showed a variety of children playing with the dog. Examined the effect of social validation on conservation behaviour. Randomly assigned each room to one of two signs. Descriptive norm message: majority of other guests participate in the towel reuse program. Significantly higher towel reuse rate in the norm condition than in the standard message condition.