Final answer:
To be considered a group, members must experience interdependence, where they rely on each other's contributions and support. A reference group serves as a standard for individual behavior, and informational social influence is particularly important when clarity is lacking or the group possesses expertise.
Step-by-step explanation:
For people to be considered a "group," the members must see themselves experiencing interdependence. This means that in a group, members rely on each other and are mutually dependent. This concept is fundamental in understanding the dynamics of how groups function and the roles individuals play within them.
Group Interaction and Behavior
Interdependence is often reflected in various behaviors and attitudes within a group. For instance, tendencies in a group may include identifying with an in-group, seeking the approval of in-group members, showing loyalty, and seeking to maintain or enhance one's status within that group. These are natural social dynamics that occur when individuals see themselves as part of a collective. Additionally, in contrast to an in-group, an out-group is one to which an individual does not belong and may even compete against.
A reference group is a type of group whose values, norms, and beliefs come to serve as a standard for one's own behavior, often guiding how individuals see themselves and how they act within a broader social context.
Cognitive and Social Influence
Informational social influence becomes more likely when the answer is unclear or when the group is believed to have expertise. It describes how individuals' beliefs or actions are affected by the information or opinions expressed by others, especially in ambiguous situations.
Cognitive dissonance causes discomfort primarily because it disrupts our sense of consistency, leading to a psychological state where our actions do not align with our beliefs or attitudes, compelling us to seek resolution.