Question

Catherine likes the name she was given, but wishes it were shorter. she decides to start going by the new name of Cathy. it's cute, short, easier to say, and more like the names of her friends. Cathy feels like her name fits in now. which terms describes why Catherine shortened her name?
A. bystander effect
B. diffusion of responsibility
C. social facilitation
D. conformity

Answer 1

Catherine's desire to change her name to "Cathy" because that name is easier to say and more like the names of her friends is an example of "social facilitation."  Social facilitation, as a phenomena, refers to the tendency of people to act and perform different when others are around as compared to when they are alone.  Catherine is comfortable with her proper, original name but decides to change it in order to fit in with other people, which is an example of social facilitation.  She is changing a name she privately likes in order to appeal to other people.