What Are Reference Groups and How Do They Influence Consumer

question 73

Essay

What are reference groups and how do they influence consumer decision making?

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Definitions:

Identity Achievement

Describes the stage in psychosocial development where an individual has explored various options and commitments, leading to a secure sense of self.

Marcia

A reference to James Marcia's theory on identity status, addressing the processes of exploration and decision making that lead to various identity outcomes in adolescence.

Erikson

Erik Erikson, a German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on the psychological development of human beings, including the concept of identity crisis.

Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt

A stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development where toddlers learn to exercise will and do things independently, leading to a sense of autonomy, or they doubt their abilities, leading to feelings of shame and doubt.