Referent Informational Influence Theory

Referent informational influence theory is the social identity theory of social influence in groups. It considers normative influence and informational influenceseparate concepts in the thinking of other social scientistsas part of a single influence process linked to group membership and social identity. This entry describes the background and content of the theory and then summarizes relevant research and implications.

Traditionally, social influence has been accounted for in terms of individual needs such as the need for approval and liking or the need for rational assessment of the social world. These two types of needs have been translated into two qualitatively different forms of influence: normative influence, which reflects public compliance as a result of social pressure, and informational influence, which reflects private acceptance of the nature ...