What does informational social influence involve?

Informational social influence refers to the process whereby individuals adapt their behavior or beliefs in response to the opinions or actions of others when they are uncertain about what is correct. This phenomenon typically occurs in ambiguous situations where the correct course of action is unclear. When faced with this uncertainty, people tend to look to others for guidance, often believing that those around them possess more knowledge or a better understanding of the situation. This reliance on the perspectives of others helps to inform and shape one's own beliefs and behaviors.

In contrast, knowledge sharing within a group doesn't specifically capture the element of uncertainty driving the influence; it implies a more straightforward exchange of information. Following a leader's commands pertains more to normative social influence, where behavior changes to comply with authority rather than due to uncertainty about how to behave. Finally, maintaining personal beliefs in a group setting isn't consistent with informational social influence, as this concept involves adopting new beliefs or behaviors based on the perceived accuracy of others rather than holding on to one’s own convictions. All of these alternative options address different aspects of social influence but do not encapsulate the essence of what occurs in informational social influence.