Page 3 - LN 1_Social Influence and Group Processes

b) There is a power in the majority which would help achieving goals due to
joint association.
6. Provide knowledge and information
a) Group membership provides knowledge and information and thus

broadens our view.
b) Groups supplement this information and knowledge.

• Conditions of Group Formation
a) Proximity
1. Repeated interactions with the same set of individuals give us a chance to
know them, and their interests and attitudes.
2. Common interests, attitudes, and background are important determinants

of your liking for your group members.
b) Similarity
1. Psychologists have given several explanations for the reasons why we like
people who are similar to us.

2. One explanation is that people prefer consistency and like relationships that
are consistent.
3. When two people are similar, there is consistency and they start liking each
other.

4. Another explanation given is that when we meet similar people, they
reinforce and validate our opinions and values, we feel we are right and
thus we start liking them.

c) Common motives and goals
1. When people have common motives or goals, they get together and form a
group which may facilitate their goal attainment.
2. Suppose you want to teach children in a slum area who are unable to go to
school. You cannot do this alone because you have your own studies and
homework. Therefore, you form a group of like-minded friends and start
teaching these children.