Which of the following best captures the difference between normative influences and informative influences in behavior change?

• A. Normative influence relies on objective data
• B. Informative influence relies on social acceptance
• C. Normative influence relies on the desire to be accepted
• D. Informative influence relies on personal values

Answer: (C)

Normative influence is about conforming to fit in, driven by the desire to be accepted by others. People go along with group norms to avoid rejection or to gain social approval, often yielding public conformity without changing private beliefs. Informative influence, on the other hand, occurs when you look to others for information and adjust your beliefs because you trust they know more, leading to genuine belief change, especially in ambiguous situations. The best answer captures the normative drive—the need for social acceptance—while the other options misstate what each influence relies on.