Cognitive and strategic processes in small groups: effects of anonymity of the self and anonymity of the group on social influence.

Two studies examined cognitive and strategic processes of social influence in small groups. A first study showed that anonymity of in-group members to the self cognitively enhanced the perceived unity or entitativity of the group, while the interpersonal attraction to group members decreased. A second study showed that anonymity of the self to the group strategically enhanced differentiation from the group on non-normative dimensions. Overall, it was found that strategic and cognitive processes interact to produce social influence within the group. Implications for theories of social influence in groups are discussed.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes