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Section 2: Norms
Norms – Standards for behavior
Sherif – Can a social norm be created in
a laboratory?
Auto Kinetic Effect…
Had a study
in which 3 participants in a darkened room were instructed
to focus on a point of light (which happened to be stationary).
Under these conditions a person
tends to experience the Auto kinetic effect, the point
of light would appear to start moving. Each of
the participants would see the point of light moving,
but not moving equally. For example participant
number 1 may believe that the point of light was moving
4-5 inches. Participant 3 may say the light was moving
only one inch. If the participants are allowed
to share their results, the researcher would note that
over time the participants' perception would gradually
merge.
It is extremely difficult for humans
beings to not comply with a norm. For
example, adolescents who think that they are rebelling
against society may choose to get multiple body piercings.
But by doing this, the adolescents are conforming to
a different reference group - their peers, and
thus conforming to a stronger norm.
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