---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66dfe3d63f8b4e9e69bf8621"
title: "Social Influence and Group Processes"
description: "This chapter explores the nature and types of groups, their formation, and the influence of groups on individual behavior."
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 12"
subject: "Psychology"
book: "Psychology"
chapter: "Social Influence and Group Processes"
chapter_slug: "social-influence-and-group-processes"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-psychology-social-influence-and-group-processes"
markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-psychology-social-influence-and-group-processes.md"
source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter"
source_id: "66dfe3d63f8b4e9e69bf8621"
source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/b48befbb-2f67-4cf4-b3bf-4be1c56fcdde.pdf"
source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Social Influence and Group Processes
This chapter explores the nature and types of groups, their formation, and the influence of groups on individual behavior. Readers will understand the importance of being part of groups that positively influence us and also how individuals can impact others in a group.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Psychology |
| Chapter | Social Influence and Group Processes |
| Pages | 120-131 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
This chapter focuses on the characteristics, formation, and types of groups, along with the influence that groups exert on individuals.

### Detailed Summary
In this chapter, we define a group as an organized system of two or more individuals who are interdependent and share common motives and role relationships. Groups differ from mere collections of people as they possess characteristics such as mutual interdependence, defined roles, and shared expectations. Various aspects of group dynamics, including why individuals join groups, the stages of group formation, and the differentiation between types of groups are discussed. Additionally, the influence of groups on individual behavior through phenomena such as social loafing and group polarization is examined.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Nature and Formation of Groups
Groups are defined by mutual interdependence among members, characterized by common motives, defined roles, and norms regulating behavior. Their formation is influenced by factors such as proximity, similarity, and shared goals.

### Type of Groups
Groups are categorized into types: primary and secondary, formal and informal, ingroup and outgroup, defined by the nature of interactions, goals, structure, and relationships among their members.

### Influence of Group on Individual Behaviour
Groups can significantly influence individual behavior through mechanisms like social facilitation and social loafing, where the presence of group members affects individual performance. Additionally, group polarization can lead to extreme decision-making based on group interactions.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Groups | Organized systems of individuals sharing common motives and roles |
| Groupthink | A phenomenon where the desire for harmony in a group leads to irrational decision-making |

---

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Social Loafing | The tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group |
| Group Polarization | The enhancement of a group's prevailing tendencies through discussion |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Groups consist of interdependent individuals with defined roles and norms.
* People join groups for reasons such as security, status, and self-esteem.
* Group formation is facilitated by proximity, similarity, and common goals.
* Groupthink can lead to poor decision-making in cohesive groups.
* Types of groups include primary, secondary, formal, informal, ingroup, and outgroup.
* The presence of groups can influence individual behavior through social facilitation or social loafing.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Cohesiveness | The extent to which group members feel connected and committed to each other |
| Norms | Unwritten rules that dictate expected behaviors within a group |

---

## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What are the defining characteristics of a group?
2. Why do individuals tend to join groups?
3. Explain the concept of social loafing.
4. What factors facilitate the formation of groups?
5. Describe group polarization with an example.

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the stages of group formation as proposed by Tuckman.
2. How do groups influence individual behavior?
3. Compare and contrast primary and secondary groups.

---

## Related Concepts
* Group Dynamics
* Social Psychology

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66dfe3d63f8b4e9e69bf8621 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-psychology-social-influence-and-group-processes |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-psychology-social-influence-and-group-processes.md |