Which type of social influence is motivated by the desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval?

The correct choice focuses on normative social influence, which is defined as the influence that leads individuals to conform in order to be liked or accepted by others. This type of influence emphasizes the importance of social approval and the human need for acceptance within a group. Individuals often change their behaviors, attitudes, or beliefs not necessarily because they genuinely agree with them or seek information, but rather to fit in with the group or to avoid negative consequences such as ridicule or exclusion.

In contrast, informational social influence occurs when individuals conform because they believe that others possess more accurate information, often in ambiguous situations. Persuasive influence describes a broader category where one person's view persuades another, but it does not specifically relate to the social approval aspect. Conformity pressure refers to the overall societal expectation to conform to group norms but doesn't directly address the motivation tied to seeking approval or avoiding disapproval. Therefore, normative social influence is the most accurate representation of conformity driven by the desire for social acceptance.