Social influence ranges in intensity from the gentlest form _______, which involves changing one's behavior just because other people are nearby, to the strongest form _______, which involves changing one's behavior because you are forced to.

I choose C

a. mere presence; compliance

b. mere presence; coercion

c. compliance; obedience

d. conformity; compliance

I agree.

I disagree. Coercion is forcing the person, while obedience would only involve telling the person to do something.

B

To find the answer to this question, we need to understand the terms and concepts related to social influence.

Social influence refers to the way that other people's thoughts, feelings, and actions can affect our own behavior. It can vary in intensity based on the extent to which individuals are willingly or unwillingly influenced.

The gentlest form of social influence is often referred to as "mere presence." This happens when people change their behavior simply because other people are nearby. For example, if you're in a library and everyone is whispering, you're likely to speak softly too, even if you don't feel strongly inclined to do so.

The strongest form of social influence is often referred to as "coercion." This occurs when individuals change their behavior because they are forced to do so, typically due to external pressure or threats. For instance, if someone is being threatened with punishment or harm unless they comply, they might change their behavior unwillingly.

Now let's examine the answer choices:

a. "mere presence; compliance" - This option correctly identifies the gentlest form as "mere presence" but incorrectly states the strongest form as "compliance," rather than "coercion."

b. "mere presence; coercion" - This option correctly identifies the gentlest form as "mere presence" and the strongest form as "coercion." However, it mixes up the terms compliance and coercion.

c. "compliance; obedience" - This option does not accurately describe the gentlest form as "mere presence." It also incorrectly defines the strongest form as "obedience" rather than "coercion."

d. "conformity; compliance" - This option accurately describes the gentlest form as "mere presence" but incorrectly identifies the strongest form as "compliance," rather than "coercion."

After analyzing the answer choices and their definitions, the correct answer is option b: mere presence; coercion. This option accurately identifies the gentlest form as "mere presence" and correctly defines the strongest form as "coercion."