PSY-255: Social Psychology
Assignment 2 – Social Influence, Conformity, and Obedience

Assignment Context

Social influence forms the foundation of how individuals shape, adjust, or resist behavior within group settings. Classic studies by Asch, Milgram, and Zimbardo have defined this domain, while contemporary examples—such as digital conformity on social media—extend these principles into modern life. This assignment evaluates the application of social influence theories and the ethical considerations of obedience within both historical and current contexts.

Assignment Description

Write a 1,050–1,400-word essay analyzing how conformity and obedience shape human behavior. Use at least two classic experiments (for example, Asch’s line judgment studies, Milgram’s obedience experiment, or Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment) and one recent real-world case or empirical study published between 2018 and 2026.

Instructions

1. Introduce the concepts of social influence, conformity, and obedience, defining each using scholarly sources.
2. Compare the methodological and ethical aspects of at least two classic studies in social psychology.
3. Discuss one recent real-world application or case (for example, workplace compliance, online social influence, or political obedience) and analyze it through these theoretical frameworks.
4. Evaluate the ethical implications of obedience to authority in the selected examples.
5. Conclude by reflecting on how awareness of these concepts can inform ethical decision-making in contemporary society.

Requirements

• Word count: 1,050–1,400 words.
• APA 7th edition formatting.
• Use at least five scholarly peer-reviewed sources.
• Submit as a Word document (.docx) through the university LMS portal.

Grading Rubric

Criteria	Excellent (90–100%)	Proficient (80–89%)	Needs Improvement (70–79%)
Content	Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of theories and key studies in social influence; integrates classic and modern perspectives effectively.	Addresses major theories with some integration of modern examples.	Provides limited explanation; lacks integration or clarity.
Analysis	Critically evaluates methodologies and ethical implications; offers original interpretation supported by theory.	Analyzes ethical and theoretical dimensions with moderate depth.	Minimal critical discussion or unsupported conclusions.
Evidence	Incorporates high-quality academic sources, properly cited in APA 7th style.	Uses appropriate references but lacks diversity or depth.	Few or weak references; citation errors evident.
Mechanics	Clear, coherent, and well-organized writing; minimal to no grammatical or structural issues.	Generally clear but may contain minor issues in structure or syntax.	Frequent errors hinder clarity or professionalism.

Sample Response Excerpt

Milgram’s 1963 obedience study illustrated the powerful role of authority in shaping behavior, even when commands conflicted with moral judgment. Contemporary research suggests this mechanism persists in digital spaces, where perceived authority can emerge from algorithmic systems rather than human figures (Haslam et al., 2020). Understanding this dynamic helps clarify how compliance evolves in mediated contexts and emphasizes the importance of ethical awareness when exercising or responding to authority.

Suggested References (Harvard Format)

1. Haslam, S. A., Reicher, S. D., & Birney, M. E. (2020). Nothing by mere authority: Evidence that in an experimental analogue of the Milgram paradigm participants are motivated not by orders but by appeals to science. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 46(6), 921–933. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167220949005
2. Bocchiaro, P., Zimbardo, P. G., & Van Lange, P. A. M. (2018). Defying unjust authority: An exploratory study. Current Psychology, 37(1), 99–109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-016-9480-4
3. Bond, R., & Smith, P. B. (2019). Culture and conformity: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 145(3), 240–268. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000188
4. Reicher, S. D., & Haslam, S. A. (2021). Rethinking the psychology of tyranny: The BBC Prison Study and the social identity approach. American Psychologist, 76(4), 541–555. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000763
5. Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (New and Expanded ed.). New York: HarperCollins. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/influence-robert-b-cialdini

Potential Titles

1. “Social Influence and Obedience Essay for PSY-255 (GCU/SNHU/ASU/Walden)”
2. Social Influence and Obedience
3. Analyzing Conformity and Authority Dynamics in Social Psychology
4. Obedience, Conformity, and Ethics in Modern Society
5. How Social Influence Shapes Behavioral Compliance

Meta Descriptions

• Word-based: Write a 1,050–1,400-word essay analyzing how social influence, conformity, and obedience shape behavior, comparing classic studies with modern research and evaluating ethical implications.
• Page-based: Compose a 4–5-page paper evaluating conformity and obedience theories, comparing classic and recent examples to explain social influence and ethics in psychology.

Meta Keywords

social influence essay, conformity and obedience assignment, psychology PSY-255 essay, Milgram Asch Zimbardo studies, social psychology ethics, GCU SNHU ASU Walden psychology assignment