emergent-norm theory

an explanation of collective behavior suggesting that the uniformity in action often observed in crowds, cults, and other aggregations is caused by members’ conformity to unique social norms that develop spontaneously in those groups. See universality. [introduced in 1957 by U.S. sociologists Ralph H. Turner (1916– ) and Lewis M. Killian (1919–2010)]

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Psychology term of the day

September 1st 2024

high chromaticity

see color purity.