PSYC 342 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Psychological Warfare, Mind Control, Social Proof

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 342
• Professor: Leandre R Fabrigar

Document Summary

Tactics used are generally less intense than pow contexts. Aronson and pratkanis (2001) proposed 7 practices of cults exerting in uence: create social reality. Mechanisms: eliminate competing sources of in uence, social proof is entirely the cult, create in-group identity and opposing out-group. New member are often showered with social approval ( love-bombing ) Existing members mirror interests and attitudes of new members. Special status of group membership and negative aspects of outsiders are stressed. Mechanisms: reciprocity, liking, scarcity of group membership, gradual escalation of commitment. Start with requests for small amounts of money and then gradually increase. Start with minor requests for professions of loyalty such as signing a statement and then increase to extreme requests (like severing social ties) Starts with mock ceremonies enacting activities such as suicides. Mechanisms: commitment and consistency, establish leader"s credibility and attractiveness. Develop elaborate myths surrounding leader"s origins, knowledge, accomplishments, and abilities.