Final answer:
Individuals with a high need to be with friends and to be accepted by others have a high need for affiliation. Informational social influence is more likely when the answer is unclear or when the group has expertise. Homophily influences the formation of relationships with individuals who share similar traits. The correct answer is option: a. affiliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who have a high need to be liked and accepted by others, prefer to interact and be with friends are exhibiting a high need for affiliation. This is described in Baumeister and Leary's work, which suggests the need to belong is a fundamental human motivation. They may also engage in prosocial behavior and seek out positive social interactions to foster this need for affiliation.
Under conditions where the answer to a situation is unclear or the group has expertise, informational social influence is more likely. This is often because individuals value the knowledge and expertise that others possess, making them likely to conform to the group’s opinion or behavior.
Homophily, or the tendency to form social networks with others who are similar, affects whom we form relationships with. We typically become friends or partners with those who share our background, attitudes, and lifestyle because it makes social interactions and forming connections easier.