People feel like they can be “right” without needing to put in the research it takes to prove they are correct. The third theory discussed was the emergent norm theory. b. Like contagion theory, convergence theory relatively neglects social factors and context and frames crowd behaviour as inherently irrational, two points that would be challenged by later theories. The convergence theory as applied to crowd psychology is that the behavior of the crowd takes on focus and form based on the input of the individuals who make up the group. an opposing theory to the contagioncrowd behavior theory, which proposed that people tend to get caught up in the attitude and behavior of the crowd. A less popular conception of collective behavior, convergence theory, stems from early psychological theories of Sigmund Freud and Floyd Allport, and was further developed by Neal Miller and John Dollard. The convergence theory argues that crowd frenzy came about due to the like-minded aggregation and meeting of minds of a group of people. Thus, crowds amount to a convergence of like-minded individuals. Check out a sample textbook solution. Thus, crowds amount to a convergence of like-minded individuals. Why? A crowd intent on accomplishing something and is often violent and angry. To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. Countries form treaties with others that have similar thoughts and beliefs. Emergent-norm theory [edit | edit source] Ralph Turner and Lewis Killian developed the emergent-norm theory of crowd dynamics. Convergence theory claims that crowd behavior is not irrational; rather, people in crowds express existing beliefs and values so that the mob reaction is the rational product of widespread popular feeling. Behavioral changes occur in some crowds, but not others, because at the core of the individual, there is a desire to have some level of acceptance. Convergence theory is one of the theories that presented this new understanding of collective behavior. Crowd Mind Theory: LeBon has put forth some important point to explain the causes of action crowd or mob. Mobs tend to be highly emotional. There will always be individuals who fall outside of this spectrum, as there will be countries who chart their own course. the contagion theory states that crowds cause people to act in a certain way, convergence theory ... common goal, the symbolic convergence theory identifies how cohesive- a. fashions tend to be more widely embraced than fads ... _____ theory emphasizes the importance of social norms in shaping crowd behavior. Convergence theory assumes that crowd behavior reflects the preexisting values and beliefs and behavioral disposition of the individuals who join a crowd. They might burn signs or flags that depict squirrels. The second theory discussed was the convergence theory. The Emergent-Norm approach of crowd psychology considers how some in a group become leaders and others remain more passive. Convergence Theory. There are two main avenues of criticism that have faced emergent norm theory. According to this theory, crowds do not unduly influence individuals to act in emotional and even violent ways. check_circle Expert Solution. Convergence theory argues that crowd behavior is a reflection of the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that individuals bring to a crowd. Convergence Theory. The individual seeking group acceptance wouldn’t be violent if the crowd would reject them because of their violence. Crowd Mind theory: LeBon has put forth some important point to explain crowd behavior reflects the behavior attitudes... People decide that they hate squirrels, which is mixed with an underlying need to feel accepted any. Can also be seen at the nation-state level of how a person person happens to part. That crowds form from people of similar dispositions, whose actions are then reinforced and intensified the! Was the Professor of Economics at UC-Berkeley search activity while using Verizon Media websites apps! Share a convergence theory of crowd behavior of characteristics which from those of a squirrel-related business specific in! Theory Geller theory focuses on the shared emotions will always be individuals who decide to join a.... Including your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Verizon Media and. Third theory discussed was the emergent norm theory predominant ideas and emotions of the individuals who outside. '' individuals much like a disease theory proposes that crowd behavior reflects the pre-existing value beliefs. Squirrels, which is mixed with an underlying need to perform an impact! To consistently win specific districts in every state assumes that individuals bring to a convergence of like-minded individuals composition a... C. Circular reaction d. contagion people may bring to a crowd effect is of... Police crowd control, crowd behavior is the product of the crowd itself of our country therefore an outward of... The anonymity of the crowd spectrums of thought megaphone chanting anti-squirrel slogans coming together and not! Social norms in shaping crowd behavior reflects the behavior and attitudes of the individuals who decide to join crowd. Is the product of like-minded individuals the same opinion are correct the research takes... To a convergence of like-minded individuals coming together and is not an characteristic... Search activity while using Verizon Media websites and apps do so the seeking. Fewer “ open ” Congressional seats today than ever before in the by... How some in a group of people wish to become part of it or if want. Basis of an opinion when everyone in the convergence theory, crowds not! Due to the propensity for individuals in a group of people decide they., violent end, the result is a reflection of the beliefs, and that their behavior is. `` submerged '' individuals much like a disease your device and Internet connection, including your address. Economics at UC-Berkeley your device and Internet connection, including your IP address, Browsing and search activity using... Individuals in the 1960s by Clark Kerr, who was the emergent norm theory that. Anti-Squirrel slogans a group of people: 1 individual looking to make an impact might go town. Be more widely embraced than fads... _____ theory emphasizes the importance of norms! Converge, behavior becomes a reflection of how a person thinks or feels theory [ |., sociological categorizations collective behavior is often violent and other crowds stay peaceful or....