Final Answer:
Sally, arriving a few minutes late to class, observed all the other students leaving the building where her class was held. Seeing this, she decided to turn around and leave as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sally's decision to leave when she noticed other students departing reflects the psychological phenomenon known as the "pluralistic ignorance" or "social proof." Pluralistic ignorance occurs when individuals conform to perceived social norms or actions, even if those actions might not align with their personal beliefs or preferences.
In this scenario, Sally likely assumed that the other students leaving indicated the end of the class or an unforeseen change in the schedule. This conformity illustrates how people rely on the behavior of others to determine appropriate actions in ambiguous situations.
Situations like this can be understood through social psychology theories, emphasizing the impact of social influence on individual behavior. The decision to conform, in this case, stems from the desire to avoid standing out or going against perceived group behavior. Understanding such social dynamics helps shed light on how individuals navigate social situations, making decisions based on the perceived actions of others.