Final answer:
Social influence plays a crucial role in the formation of a person's attitudes, especially in unfamiliar or ambiguous situations. Asch's study reveals that having an ally can help an individual resist conformity, while types of public opinion include majority, elite, and issue public.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conformity and social influence are significant factors in shaping an individual's attitudes and behaviors. When a person is questioned about a political issue they haven't given much thought to, their response is likely to mirror a popular attitude or what is familiar to them, reflecting an attitude held with little conviction. This concept aligns with findings from Asch's study on conformity, where the presence of an ally significantly helps resist conforming pressures.
In discussions about public opinion, all majority opinion, elite opinion, and issue publics are types of public opinion. Additionally, informational social influence becomes more prominent when the answer to a situation is ambiguous or the group involved is regarded as having expertise.