Final answer:
Opinion leaders are individuals within a reference group who influence others due to their skills, knowledge, or personality. They play a significant role in shaping opinions and establishing social norms within various social circles. Identifying opinion leaders and reference groups is important for personal development, especially in new environments like college.
Step-by-step explanation:
People within a reference group who, because of special skills, knowledge, personality, or other characteristics, exert influence on others are known as opinion leaders. These individuals can shape ordinary people’s opinions, either purposefully or inadvertently, through their role in directing conversations, leading by example, or simply by being admired and emulated. Opinion leaders can be found in various social circles and can emerge organically within a reference group due to their personal attributes and social relationships.
Reference groups serve as a standard for people to compare themselves with, impacting their behavior and establishing social norms. They can take numerous forms, from peer groups and family units to cultural centers and work environments. Being aware of the influence of reference groups and engaging with positive reference groups can be crucial for personal development, especially for students integrating into new social environments such as college.