Evaluate the role of social norms in shaping obedience and bystander behavior according to research studies.

Title: The Influence of Social Norms on Obedience and Bystander Behavior: A Critical Evaluation

Introduction
Social norms play a significant role in influencing human behavior, particularly in situations involving obedience and bystander intervention. Obedience refers to the tendency to comply with authority figures, while bystander behavior refers to individuals' responses or lack thereof in emergency situations. This essay critically evaluates the impact of social norms on obedience and bystander behavior based on empirical research studies.

Role of Social Norms in Obedience
Social norms shape obedience through the pressure to conform to the expectations and demands of authority figures. One classic study demonstrating this is Stanley Milgram's (1963) obedience experiment, which found that the majority of participants willingly administered seemingly harmful electric shocks to others when instructed by an authority figure. The presence of an authority figure creates a social norm that dictates following orders and obeying commands, even when they conflict with one's moral judgment.

Additionally, informational social influence plays a role in obedience, as individuals conform to the beliefs and behaviors of a group to gain social approval or avoid rejection. This was evident in Asch's (1951) conformity experiment, where participants gave incorrect answers to conform to the group's consensus. Similarly, individuals may obey authority figures due to the social norm of compliance and the fear of being socially rejected if they go against the group.

Moreover, social identity theory suggests that individuals may identify with a specific group or social category, leading them to conform to the norms of that group. In the context of obedience, individuals may align their behavior with the group or authority figure to maintain their social identity and status within the group.

Role of Social Norms in Bystander Behavior
Social norms also influence bystander behavior, determining whether individuals intervene in emergency situations or remain passive. The bystander effect, demonstrated in the murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964, illustrates how the diffusion of responsibility and pluralistic ignorance can inhibit individuals from helping others in need. When multiple bystanders are present, each individual may assume that someone else will take action, leading to a collective inaction that defies the norm of helping others in distress.

Additionally, social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their behavior by comparing it to others, particularly in ambiguous or unfamiliar situations. In cases of bystander behavior, individuals may look to others for cues on how to respond, leading to a lack of intervention if others are also passive. This normative influence can override the intrinsic motivation to help, especially when the social norm dictates inaction.

Furthermore, the concept of social responsibility norms suggests that individuals are more likely to help when they perceive a personal responsibility to intervene based on societal expectations and norms. When these norms are violated, such as in the case of the Kitty Genovese murder, individuals may experience cognitive dissonance between the social norm of helping others and the observed lack of assistance from others.

Conclusion
In conclusion, social norms significantly influence obedience and bystander behavior by shaping individuals' responses to authority and emergency situations. Empirical research studies, such as Milgram's obedience experiment and the bystander effect, provide valuable insights into how social norms impact human behavior. Understanding the role of social norms in shaping obedience and bystander behavior is crucial for promoting prosocial interventions and challenging harmful conformity. By critically evaluating the influence of social norms, we can develop strategies to mitigate the negative effects of conformity and encourage positive social change.