Key Concepts
This term describes changing your opinion or behavior to match a group.
Peer conformity
How many experiments were conducted in this study? Explain
4
Inspired by Caroline Baird: Adolescents may conform not only to be liked but also to gain ______
Social status
Discussion:
Do adolescents conform more to gain status or to be accepted?
Inspired by Christina Sanchez-Hughes: On social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, popularity is often measured through _________ and ________
Likes and followers
Discussion:
Do these visible metrics increase peer influence among adolescents?
Inspired by Gavin Doppler: Conformity patterns may differ between these two types of societies: _________________ and _________________
Individualistic and collectivistic societies
Discussion:
Would popularity have the same influence in collectivist cultures?
These two types of peer status were compared in the study. Explain each one
Popularity and likeability
In Experiment 1, peer responses came from this type of peer group. Why? Explain
hypothetical peers.
Inspired by Malina Watson: According to the study, adolescents conform more to this type of peer.
Popular peers
Discussion:
Why might popularity be more influential than likeability?
Inspired by Andrew Mackintosh: Visible labels of popularity may increase conformity because they make ________ _________ more obvious.
Social status
Discussion:
Would conformity be stronger when status is clearly visible?
Inspired by Lucas Hardie: When peers are real classmates, existing relationships such ________________ may influence conformity.
Friendships
Discussion:
Can friendships override popularity in peer influence?
This type of social influence happens when people conform to gain approval or avoid rejection.
Normative influence
Experiments 2–4 used this type of peers instead. Why? Explain
Real classmates
Inspired by Rubi Katz: Even without direct pressure, popular adolescents can influence this___________ _____________ within peer groups.
Group norms
Discussion:
Should popular adolescents be seen as leaders in peer groups? When Yes and the No?
Inspired by Madeleine Doppler: Social media may amplify popularity-based conformity because popularity becomes constantly ___________
Visible
Discussion:
Does constant visibility of popularity increase pressure to conform?
Inspired by Mehak Bhatia: Differences in conformity between boys and girls may reflect this broader social process: ___________ __________
Gender socialization
Discussion:
Are gender differences in peer influence biological or social?
This type of influence occurs when people believe others may have better information.
Informational influence
Popularity and likeability were measured using this common sociometric method.
peer nominations
Inspired by Sierra Proust: One possible reason adolescents conform to popular peers is fear of ________ ________
Social exclusion
Discussion:
Do adolescents follow popular peers out of admiration or fear?
Inspired by Karmel Clamor: Aligning with popular peers may activate ______ ____________ system in the adolescent brain.
The reward system
Discussion:
Is peer conformity partly driven by neurological reward processes?
Inspired by Hallie Koo: Girls’ conformity may depend more on relational meaning within peer groups. This highlights the importance of _______________
Relationships
Discussion:
Do girls and boys use different social strategies in peer groups?
In adolescent peer groups, this type of status reflects visibility, prestige, and social power.
Popularity
In one experiment, participants estimated the number of these objects on a screen.
Dots
Inspired by Luke Morrison: Conformity may sometimes function as a strategy to protect ___________.
Social belonging
Discussion:
When might conformity protect relationships rather than harm authenticity?
Inspired by Ajay Zire: If the study had used risky behaviors instead of neutral tasks, conformity might become ___________
Stronger
Discussion:
Would popularity matter even more in risky situations?
Inspired by Sierra Proust: Online environments may strengthen conformity because popularity cues are constantly ______________
Visible
Discussion:
Does online popularity create stronger peer hierarchies?