Honors Voting and Elections Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In social influence, some individuals carry more sway over others’ opinions than most people do. These individuals are called opinion leaders because they are respected for their knowledge, credibility, or social standing, and others look to them for guidance or recommendations. Their influence often stems from trust, relevance, and active engagement within a shared community or network, which makes their views spread more readily.

This differs from mass media, which refers to broad channels like TV or newspapers rather than a single influential person. An entrance survey is simply a method for gathering baseline opinions from newcomers, not about one person shaping views. A watchdog focuses on monitoring and reporting to hold others accountable, not on influencing a group’s opinions through personal influence. Thus, the description fits opinion leaders best.