Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

What term describes the phenomenon where individuals believe their own opinions or behaviors differ from those of others?

1. Pluralistic ignorance

2. Interest bias

3. Conformity

4. Social conformity

The correct answer is: Pluralistic ignorance

Pluralistic ignorance is the phenomenon where individuals mistakenly believe that their own opinions or behaviors are different from those of the majority, leading them to think they are in the minority. This can occur in situations where people privately hold a belief or preference but assume, based on others’ outward expressions, that their views are not shared. As a result, they may continue to conform to what they perceive as the majority opinion, which can perpetuate misunderstandings about group norms or behaviors. The other terms refer to different concepts: interest bias relates to the tendency of individuals to favor information that aligns with their own interests or beliefs, rather than differing views. Conformity is a broader term describing the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms, without necessarily implying the misconception of one's divergence from others. Social conformity specifically emphasizes the influence of societal pressures on an individual's behavior but does not capture the self-perception aspect central to pluralistic ignorance. Understanding pluralistic ignorance helps highlight the complexities of human social interaction and the often unspoken dynamics at play.