Final answer:
The power for a small number of individuals to influence a larger group is known as minority influence. In social situations like Asch's conformity experiments, normative social influence can cause individuals to conform to avoid ridicule, even if the group's stance is incorrect. Informational social influence is more likely when the situation is ambiguous and the group is seen as knowledgeable. Option d is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The power of one or two individuals to sway a majority is known as minority influence. This form of social influence occurs when the minority, often holding a different opinion or stance on an issue, influences the majority to accept the minority's viewpoint. This is evidenced by the persuasive techniques and consistency of the minority's stance over time, leading to cognitive conflicts within the majority group and, eventually, a change in opinion.
When we look at the studies by Solomon Asch, participants conformed due to normative social influence. This type of social influence arises when people follow the behavior of others to fit in and be accepted by the group. In Asch's line judgment task, where the answer was obvious, participants still conformed to avoid ridicule, even though the group's answer was clearly wrong.
Informational social influence is more likely to occur under conditions where the answer is unclear or ambiguous, and when the group is considered to have expertise (options b and c). Groupthink, on the other hand, occurs when the desire for harmony in decision-making within a group results in an irrational or dysfunctional outcome. It is a common phenomenon in group conformity settings, where the modification of opinions occurs to align with the perceived group consensus.
To answer question 11 regarding Asch's study on conformity, the ability of subjects to resist conforming was contributed by the presence of an ally, the ability to keep one's answer private, and a very small group of witnesses (option d).
For decision-making within groups, there is a tendency for compromise to emerge as a solution. Lastly, the defining feature of a minority group lies in its relative lack of power compared to the majority, despite possibly being a numerical minority or possessing a strong cultural identity (option c).
Writing to an elected official is a form of political participation, showing engagement and involvement in governmental and civic actions.