Final answer:
The best illustration of Gabriel Tarde's first law is a group of friends who adopt similar hobbies, showing how individuals within a social group are likely to imitate each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario best illustrating Gabriel Tarde's first law of imitation and suggestion is A) A group of friends engaging in similar hobbies due to shared interests. This example encapsulates the concept that people often conform to the behaviors and preferences of those around them, especially within their social circles. Tarde's law states that the closer the association among individuals, the more likely they are to imitate each other, and this scenario reflects the observation that individuals often adopt the attitudes and behaviors of their friends.
Asch's study on conformity showed that conformity can be influenced by several factors, such as the presence of an ally or the ability to keep one's answers private, enabling some individuals to resist the pressure to conform. Social influence and the desire for conformity play significant roles in shaping behavior within groups, as people tend to take cues from others and engage collectively in similar acts.