What concept refers to the adjustment of attitudes, opinions, and behaviors to fit with group norms?

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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!

The concept that refers to the adjustment of attitudes, opinions, and behaviors to fit with group norms is conformity. Conformity occurs when individuals change their beliefs or actions in response to real or imagined social pressure from a group. This behavior is often motivated by the desire for acceptance or the social influence exerted by peers.

In social settings, navigating group dynamics frequently requires individuals to align themselves with the dominant views or practices, which can lead to changes in personal views and behaviors. This is particularly evident in situations where individuals may feel an obligation to adhere to the expectations of the group, even if it conflicts with their own beliefs.

Obedience, on the other hand, involves complying with a directive from an authority figure rather than adjusting one's beliefs to fit in with a peer group. Diffusion of responsibility relates to situations where individuals feel less personal accountability in a group, often seen in emergency contexts. Deviance describes behaviors that deviate from societal norms, which is contrary to the adaptive behavior of conformity. Thus, conformity is the most fitting term for the adjustment to group norms.