The Presence of Norms in the Absence of Groups? The Impact of Normative Influence under Hidden-Profile Conditions
Cruz, M., Henningsen, D., & Williams, M. (2000). The presence of norms in the absence of groups? The impact of normative influence under hidden-profile conditions. Human Communication Research, 26(1), 104-124. doi:10.1093/hcr/26.1.104.
Investigated normative and informational influence in group decision making under hidden-profile conditions. 184 undergraduates made decisions based on information relevant to the decision and a transcript of a group discussing it. The initial information was either a full set of information or an incomplete set that instantiated a hidden profile. Transcripts contained the complete information set, but varied the initial preferences of group members and the direction of their noninformational comments. Results indicate that when normative and informational influence were in conflict, Ss' decisions conformed to normative pressures. It is concluded that normative influence can have a strong impact on group decision making even under conditions highly conducive to informational influence.
