The following scenario is not uncommon: Several people are waiting at a crosswalk, one of them decides to cross despite a red signal, and-once that happens-everyone else does the same. This is an example not just of conformity, but also of ____.
A) reinforcement theory
B) the social allergy effect
C) the bad apple effect
D) the propinquity effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bad apple effect refers to when one person's negative behavior influences others to also behave negatively. In this case, the person who initially crosses the red signal is the "bad apple" and the others follow suit, regardless of the potential consequences. This is a form of peer pressure and conformity. Reinforcement theory, propinquity effect, and social allergy effect are not relevant to this scenario.

The Following Scenario Is Not Uncommon: Several People Are Waiting