Axia College Material
Appendix E
Scenario: John is an 18-year-old freshman at New York University. John was the starting quarterback at his high school in a small town in Indiana. He enjoys playing sports and hanging out with friends. John has always been popular and done well in school and sports. Once he is comfortable in his surroundings he can be confident in what he is doing. Donnie is an 18-year-old freshman from Chicago attending Iowa State. Donnie spends most of his time playing his guitar and writing music. In high school he had a few close friends but his attention was mainly focused on his studies and his music. He has little trouble expressing himself and enjoys doing so on stage while playing in his band. Donnie is determined to earn a degree and find a career in playing, writing, or producing music. Response: In 200 to 300 words provide an opinion on who would be more likely to be persuaded by peer pressures such as drinking, drug use, skipping class, and other irresponsible behavior in a new city. Then, provide your reasoning on why you chose either John or Donnie as more likely to conform to his new social situation. Reference the factors that influence persuasion and conformity discussed in your text.
I believe that out of the two, John would be more susceptible to persuasion and conformity. John is more likely to be persuaded into drinking, drug use, skipping class and irresponsible behavior due to many factors. John and Donnie are both entering a new environment and for anybody it takes time to become adjusted to new places, finding friends and most of all College life. As for John he is from a small town, he is going to have to adjust to a big city and he is going to feel more inclined to fit in with his new “big city” friends. This could ultimately lead to peer pressure. John also is used to being popular so it is likely he is going to want to seek approval from his new friends especially because he is still uncomfortable or confident in his new surroundings. I believe Donnie will have very few problems adjusting to College. Since Donnie is used to having a small group of friends it is unlikely that this will change, therefore he will not be influenced as much as John to “fit in” or be approved by them. I believe another plus for Donnie is that he has very little trouble expressing himself. Since he can express himself it is easier for him to be assertive and to express his feelings if someone is trying to negatively pressure him into something he does not want to do. Donnie is determined to accomplish his goals and earn his degree. He is less likely to be affected by persuasion or conformity due to the fact that he is focused on his music and education, then being popular.