Final answer:
Conformity is the sociological concept exemplified by turning to face the door in an elevator, driven by social norms and the desire to fit in. It is closely associated with concepts like informational social influence and event schemas which dictate expected behaviors in social settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Turning around to face the door when entering an elevator full of other people is an example of conformity, a sociological concept. Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to adjust their behavior or beliefs to match those of the group, often to fit into social norms or to follow perceived authority or collective wisdom. This phenomenon can be observed in various situations, for example, when unsure of how to act during an emergency, individuals look to others for cues, displaying informational social influence. Another related concept is the event schema or cognitive script, which guides expected behavior in repetitive and familiar settings, like using an elevator.
Understanding why we feel the urge to behave similarly to others in a crowd or social setting relates to our sense of self and the norms established by society. The presence of others affects our actions through social influences such as the bystander effect or diffusion of responsibility. These invisible rules of conduct are integral to the structure of society, dictating 'correct' behavior in any given context. In essence, such norms and expectations help to shape our social reality and our interactions within it.