Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Normative social influence revolves around the desire to conform to social norms, which are the rules or expectations that govern behavior within a society or group. Individuals are motivated to adhere to these norms in order to gain acceptance and approval from others, which can enhance social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging. This desire often leads people to align their behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs with those of the group, even if they personally might not agree with every aspect of those norms.

While gaining factual knowledge from others is a significant aspect of social learning, normative social influence specifically emphasizes conformity behaviors driven by the need for social acceptance rather than the pursuit of knowledge. Questioning majority behaviors implies a critical stance that might arise from a desire to challenge or understand norms, which isn’t the primary focus of normative influence. Disregarding personal beliefs for acceptance does occur in some contexts of conformity, but it does not encapsulate the core idea of normative social influence, which is primarily concerned with aligning with social expectations rather than completely abandoning one's beliefs.

Thus, the most accurate representation of normative social influence is the desire to conform to social norms, as this desire plays a crucial role in shaping behavior in a social context.