Topic: social influence and persuasion.
6. The various manifestations of social influence are conformity, compliance and obedience. Elaborate. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various types of social influence.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining social influence.
Body:
First, write about conformity – instances where a person may agree in public with a group of people, but the person privately disagrees with the group’s viewpoint or behaviour.
Next, write about compliance – involves a request that an individual or group complies with the instructions of another.
Next, write about obedience – Obedience is a form of public conformity which occurs when a person modifies their behaviour to obey the directions of another, often in a position of authority.
Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
