Directions: In your initial post: In a paragraph, describe a specific example of group pressure as explained by Solomon Asch that you have witnessed in your personal or professional life. Explain what factors contributed to this example of group pressure and how the outcome may have been different had group pressure not occurred. In another paragraph, connect your response to at least one other concept we have explored this week (such as in-groups and out-groups, roles, or social institutions). Explain how the incident you experienced reflects the other concepts you have learned about this week.  Group Membership, Behavior and Social Interaction SOCIAL GROUPS Humans are social creatures. Most of us want to belong to a group. It gives us identity and helps us to cherish friendships. The feeling of acceptance is important to every group member. Nearly all-important interaction occurs in some type of social group. Sociologists have identified a variety of social groups based on their structure and functions. In-group and out-groups examine how people become ethnocentric and form in-group while considering others as out-group. The primary and secondary group was termed by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley. He defined the primary group as a small group characterized by face-to-face relationships and strong enduring relationships. Family, peers, and friends are examples of primary groups. Secondary groups, by contrast, are impersonal and based on formal relationships, such as schools, workgroups, athletic clubs, and governmental bodies. The reference group is a group that provides a standard by which we evaluate ourselves. A group where you want to be a part of or aspire to be a part of is a reference group. When you see the Hollywood stars, and you aspire to become like them or dress up like them, they become a reference group for you. Therefore, it is critical for children to have positive reference groups that will shape their lives for the better. ASCH STUDYMore than sixty years ago, psychologist Solomon Asch (1952) conducted an experiment to show how people conform to group pressure. Asch asked individuals to decide between the three lines of different lengths. The differences were obvious, but people participating were asked to give a wrong reply. The only one who was not aware was surprised at everyone giving the wrong answer. Not wanting to be the odd one out and be embarrassed, this person joined the others in giving the wrong answer. Asch repeated this experiment several times and found that ninety-five percent of the time, people went with the group, even when the answer was incorrect. This experiment clearly showed how people are willing to go with the group and follow along with group consensus even when they are wrong. Ash's work also shows how hazing happens. Even when some might feel it is wrong, they succumb to group pressure. MILGRAM STUDYAnother study of group conformity was conducted by Stanley Milgram (1963). Milgram wanted to see to what extent individuals will go when an order is given by a power of authority. An experiment was conducted by giving an electric shock of a higher range every time an individual gave a wrong answer. In this experiment, it was found that people did not hesitate to give a greater electric shock to the individuals who gave wrong answers to the questions asked. This experiment brought to light how ordinary citizens will conform to orders given by someone in a position of authority, even when those orders have consequences and are morally and ethically wrong. Milgram's original concern behind conducting this experiment was to learn about Nazi atrocities during World War II.Overall, group behavior does influence our behavior and human interaction in so many ways. Something that you will never have the courage to do alone, you can gather the courage to do it in a group. Being a part of primary and secondary groups gives us our identity. A reference group is whom we look up to and aspire to become and motivates us to work hard. Solomon Asch and Milgram's experiments show how groups can be coercive and persuade you to go far and beyond against the norms and values of society.Watch this video based on the experiments listed above for more information: 

Discussion Topic: In this week's film, The Great Train Robbery, we examined acting on a different level, non verbally.  What was your initial reaction when you learned this film is not only black and white but non-verbal? When looking back at the film, how well were the physical characteristics and facial features suited to the characters they were attempting to portray? Examining the film, which specific scenes is the acting especially effective or ineffective? How? Why hi 1st reply When I realized The Great Train Robbery was only in black and white and non-verbal, I was actually more interested in seeing how they made it and why it was so famous. The physical characteristics of the characters were pretty spot on for what the audience assumed their role to be. It matched the setting and time period. Most women had long puffy dresses and most men were wearing black suits. Anytime a character was shot, they made sure to overreact and throw their hands up in the air and fall down. When the characters do this motion, it allows the audience to fully understand what is going on. -------------- 2nd reply My main reaction to film not only being not only shot in black and white but also with no spoken lines was shock, in my head the era of silent film ended late 1800s so being able to watch a non-verbal movie was a present surprise. With the lack of spoken word the actors had to rely only on how well they can physically act, and for the time is was probably amazing work, even now in an era of voice actors and "talkies" this is massively impressive to watch.