Which term is used to describe a change that occurs as a result of direct influence rather than through coercion?

The term used to describe a change that occurs as a result of direct influence rather than through coercion is "influence." Influence involves the ability to affect someone's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors through persuasion, attraction, or example, without the necessity of force or coercive tactics. This concept emphasizes voluntary change—when individuals change their views or actions because they agree with an idea or are inspired to act in a certain way, rather than because they feel they must comply with demands or threats.

Power typically refers to the capacity to impose one's will on others, which may include coercive methods. Authority, on the other hand, refers to the recognized right to make decisions and enforce obedience, often within a social structure or organization, which may also involve a degree of coercion or obligation. Social control refers more broadly to mechanisms, strategies, and institutions used to maintain societal norms and values, often encompassing both informal and formal means of enforcing conformity and compliance. Thus, influence is distinct from these concepts as it emphasizes a more consensual and non-coercive form of change.