Final answer:
The correct answer is option b) Conformity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tendency to adjust one's behavior to actual or perceived social pressures is known as conformity. Conformity involves changing your behavior to go along with the group even if you do not personally agree with the group. This social phenomenon helps individuals conform to the norms or expectations of a group, which can stem from the desire to fit in, be liked, or be perceived as knowledgeable. Examples can include how individuals dress, speak, or behave in group settings.
Conformity contrasts with obedience, where an individual acts in response to the direct orders of an authority figure. Stanley Milgram's experiment frequently illustrates obedience, where participants were willing to administer what they thought were painful electric shocks to others under the command of an authority figure.
Conformity is closely related to concepts like groupthink, where the desire for group cohesion leads to poor decision-making. A reference group is a group whose norms and values influence an individual’s behavior. Conformity can be understood in terms of both external forces, like social pressures, and internal forces like cognitive dissonance—where there's a conflict between one's beliefs and behaviors.