Which term describes the behavior of a larger number of individuals prevailing in a group's beliefs?

Get ready for the SQA National 5 Psychology Exam. Enhance your knowledge with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare now for success!

The term that accurately describes the behavior where a larger number of individuals influence or prevail in a group's beliefs is majority influence. This concept refers to the phenomenon where the attitudes or opinions of the majority can sway the decisions and perceptions of individuals within a group. When most members of a group share a particular belief or attitude, that dominant viewpoint tends to overshadow minority perspectives, often leading individuals to conform to the majority viewpoint for various reasons, including the desire for acceptance or the belief that the majority is correct.

In contrast, minority influence pertains to situations where a smaller group or a few individuals can affect the beliefs or behaviors of the larger group, which is the opposite of the scenario presented. Peer pressure typically involves direct social influence from peers that can lead individuals to change their behaviors or beliefs, often with a focus on immediate social interactions rather than broad group dynamics. Social facilitation refers to the tendency for individuals to perform differently when in a group setting, usually enhancing performance on simple tasks but not directly relating to the shifting of beliefs or opinions.

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