Describe the structure and function of different kinds of group behavior

First, imagine your response to the following events:

On the first day of class in an on-site classroom, the psychology professor begins to establish the course’s basic rules of behavior.

From the list below, select the first instruction one would naturally refuse to carry out:

• Seats are assigned, and you are told to move to a new location.
• Students are told not to talk during class.
• The professor tells the students that they must have permission to leave early.
• Students are told to bring their textbooks to class at all times.
• The professor tells the students to use only a pencil for taking notes.
• Students are directed to take off their watch if they have one.
• The professor tells the students to keep both hands on their desktops at all times.
• Students are instructed to keep both of their feet flat on the floor.
• Students are told to stand up and clap their hands three times.
• The professor says, “Stick two fingers up your nose and moo like a cow.”

At what point would one stop obeying such orders? In reality, one might find themself obeying a legitimate authority long after that person’s demands had become unreasonable. Consider what might happen if a few students resisted orders early in the sequence? Would that help free others to disobey?

Describe the structure and function of different kinds of group behavior (e.g., deindividuation, group polarization), and refer to some of the Milgram study results. Also, explain how individuals respond to others’ expectations, including groupthink, conformity, and obedience to authority.