Differentiating among motives for norm conformity : a test of the norm effects model /
The usefulness of social norms to predict and ity Microfilm Inc. understand human behavior has been limited in the past by conceptual and operational problems. The present investigation presents and tests a model of normative impact that considers the motivational reasons for conforming to social no...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1998.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=733050471&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | The usefulness of social norms to predict and ity Microfilm Inc. understand human behavior has been limited in the past by conceptual and operational problems. The present investigation presents and tests a model of normative impact that considers the motivational reasons for conforming to social norms as well as the group identities that make norms salient. Based on early work in the area of social influence, a tripartite model of motivational goals underlying norm effects is proposed: informational motives based on accuracy and successful adaptation, social motives with implications for the self and social motives stemming from concern with others and the outcomes these others can provide. Because groups establish ideal rules of conduct and acceptable behavior and in addition they provide information about successful, adaptive behavior, this model further postulates that the set of norms that will direct behavior in a specific situation will depend on which of a person's many group identities is salient. The results of a meta-analytic synthesis are presented and provide initial support for the feasibility of the norm effects model.The main study builds and improves on behavioral prediction models by measuring social norms in a manner consistent with the norm effects model. Specifically, for the two target behaviors, recycling and drinking, measures of norms that identify particular motivational goals (i.e., self-related social, and other-related social) predicted behavior and intention better than standard measures of social norms. This line of research shows that when predicting normative influences on behavior, it is important to assess the motivational goals underlying conformity as well as the groups that make norms salient. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Psychology". |
| Physical Description: | viii, 68 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-61). |