Which form of conformity is driven by the belief that others' opinions are correct?

Which form of conformity is driven by the belief that others' opinions are correct?

• A. Normative Social Influence
• B. Informational Social Influence
• C. Group Polarization
• D. Social Desirability

Answer: (B)

Informational social influence is about conforming because you believe others have better information and you want to align your view with what you think is correct. When you’re unsure or lack confidence in your own judgment, you look to others who seem more informed and adjust your beliefs toward theirs, assuming they know something you don’t. This explains why the behavior is driven by trust in others’ accuracy rather than a desire to fit in. Normative social influence, by contrast, grows from wanting social approval or to avoid rejection, not from a belief that others’ opinions are correct. Group polarization describes how group discussion can push members toward more extreme positions, not simply adopting what others think as correct. Social desirability refers to answering in a way that’s favorable or socially approved, rather than based on perceived correctness of others’ opinions.

Informational social influence is about conforming because you believe others have better information and you want to align your view with what you think is correct. When you’re unsure or lack confidence in your own judgment, you look to others who seem more informed and adjust your beliefs toward theirs, assuming they know something you don’t. This explains why the behavior is driven by trust in others’ accuracy rather than a desire to fit in.

Normative social influence, by contrast, grows from wanting social approval or to avoid rejection, not from a belief that others’ opinions are correct. Group polarization describes how group discussion can push members toward more extreme positions, not simply adopting what others think as correct. Social desirability refers to answering in a way that’s favorable or socially approved, rather than based on perceived correctness of others’ opinions.