Expectation states theory- understanding social influence theory

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The "expectation theory of social influence" primarily refers to Expectation States Theory (EST), a prominent social psychological framework developed by Joseph Berger and his colleagues. It's not a single "theory of social influence" in the broadest sense, but rather a focused theory explaining how expectations of competence lead to the formation of status hierarchies and influence within small, task-oriented groups.

 Theory:

Core Premise:

EST posits that in small groups working on a collective task, individuals quickly form performance expectations about themselves and others regarding who will be most competent and contribute best to the task. These expectations then influence interaction patterns, leading to the emergence of a status hierarchy within the group, where those with higher expectations for competence tend to have more influence, participate more, and are evaluated more positively.

How Expectations Form (Two Main Paths):

Specific Status Characteristics: These are characteristics directly related to the task or context. For example, in a medical team, a doctor's medical degree and experience are specific status characteristics that would lead to high performance expectations.

Diffuse Status Characteristics: These are general social characteristics that are not directly related to the task but carry widely shared cultural beliefs about competence and worth. Examples include:

   a) Gender: In many societies, men are often (implicitly or explicitly) expected to be more competent in certain technical or leadership roles, even if no objective difference exists.

   b) Race/Ethnicity: Similar to gender, stereotypes associated with racial or ethnic groups can lead to differential expectations.

   c) Age: Older individuals might be expected to have more wisdom or experience, while younger individuals might be seen as more innovative in certain contexts.

   d) Education Level, Physical Attractiveness, Socioeconomic Status: These can also function as diffuse status characteristics.

The theory suggests that even when specific status characteristics are not present or are ambiguous, diffuse status characteristics come into play, shaping initial expectations. Mechanisms and Consequences:

Once performance expectations are formed, they influence group interaction in several ways:

 i)Participation Opportunities: Individuals with higher performance expectations are given more opportunities to speak, contribute ideas, and make decisions.

 ii) Influence Attempts: They are more likely to initiate influence attempts (e.g., offer suggestions, try to persuade others).

 iii) Acceptance of Influence: Their ideas and suggestions are more readily accepted by others, even if the content is objectively the same as an idea from someone with lower status.

 iv) Evaluation of Performance: Their contributions are evaluated more positively, and their mistakes are often overlooked or attributed to external factors, while those of lower status are scrutinized more heavily.

 v) Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The process can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Individuals who are expected to be competent behave in ways that confirm those expectations, and those expected to be less competent may withdraw or contribute less, thus confirming lower expectations.

Why EST Matters:

 1) Explains Inequality: EST is crucial for understanding how social inequalities based on diffuse status characteristics (like gender, race) are reproduced and perpetuated in everyday interactions, even in seemingly egalitarian groups. It highlights how unconscious biases rooted in societal beliefs about status translate into differential treatment and influence.

 2) Focus on Micro-Interactions: It provides a micro-level explanation for macro-level social phenomena, showing how small group dynamics contribute to broader social stratification.

 3) Testable Propositions: EST is a highly formalized and empirically tested theory, with numerous studies supporting its propositions.

 While "expectation theory of social influence" might sound general, it most specifically points to Expectation States Theory, which unpacks how our expectations about others' competence, often based on their social characteristics, profoundly shape who influences whom in group settings.

From the course material of ' Advanced Social Psychology ' IGNOU. Material support taken from web resources.

Pratyush Chaudhuri