Which term refers to the increased likelihood that an individual will conform when they feel less capable than others?

The term that refers to the increased likelihood of an individual conforming when they feel less capable than others is informational influence. This type of influence occurs when people look to others in a group for guidance on how to behave or think, especially in situations where they feel uncertain or lack confidence. When individuals perceive themselves as less capable, they are more likely to rely on the opinions or behaviors of those perceived as more knowledgeable or skilled, thus leading to conformity.

Informational influence is particularly relevant in ambiguous situations where the correct behavior or viewpoint is unclear; individuals defer to the perceived expertise of others for clarity and reassurance. This is fundamental in social settings where knowledge and expertise are unevenly distributed among members. In contrast, other terms like normative influence involve seeking acceptance and approval from others, social pressure refers to the external forces that encourage conformity, and groupthink is a specific scenario where the desire for harmony in a group leads to uncritical or poor decision-making.