Which influence describes how the presence of a group may impact individual decision-making?

Study for the QCAA Year 12 Psychology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The concept that describes how the presence of a group may impact individual decision-making is social influence. Social influence refers to the way in which individuals change their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in response to the real or imagined presence of others. This can occur in various forms, such as conformity, compliance, and obedience, where individuals may adjust their decisions or opinions based on the attitudes or behaviors of those around them.

In this context, when people are in a group, they may feel pressured to align their decisions with the group consensus, leading to changes in their original viewpoints or choices. This can be driven by the desire to fit in, avoid conflict, or gain social approval, highlighting the powerful role that social dynamics play in shaping individual behavior and decision-making processes.

Other concepts like groupthink, hostile perception bias, and hostile attribution bias highlight specific phenomena related to decision-making but do not specifically encapsulate the broader effects of social contexts on individual choices. For instance, groupthink refers to the tendency for group members to prioritize consensus over critical thinking, which is a more specific scenario under the larger umbrella of social influence.

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