Final answer:
Normative social influence occurs when an individual conforms to a group's values and norms, seeking acceptance and approval from the group, as opposed to informational social influence which is based on the belief in the group's competence and information accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of reference group influence that occurs when individuals have internalized a group's values and norms is normative social influence. This influence refers to the impact that being part of a group can have on an individual's behavior because they seek acceptance and approval from the group.
Normative social influence is based on the need to conform to the expectations of others in order to be liked or accepted by them. This is different from informational social influence, which happens when people conform to a group norm because they believe the group is competent and has the correct information, particularly when the situation is ambiguous or the answer is not clear.
Examples of reference groups include cultural centers, workplaces, family gatherings, and parent groups. These groups help establish social norms and influence our behavior, often through competing messages that guide our concept of social identity.
Understanding the influence of reference groups is critical because it affects our attitudes and behaviors, even if we are not always aware of these influences. For instance, the Asch conformity studies demonstrated how individuals conformed to group pressure despite clear evidence to the contrary, which is a key example of normative social influence.