Conformity

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

Conformity is when a person changes their behaviour, attitudes or values due to real or imagined group pressure.

Question 2

Internalisation

Answer 2

A deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it is correct. It leads to far-reaching and permanent change in behaviour. Even when the group is absent.

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

A moderate type of conformity where we act in the same way with the group because we value it and want to be part of it. We don’t necessarily agree with everything the majority believes.

Question 4

Compliance

Answer 4

A superficial and temporary type of conformity where we outwardly go along with the majority view, but privately disagree with it. The change is our behaviour only lasts as long as the group is monitoring us.

Question 5

Informal Social Control (ISI)

Answer 5

An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. We accept it because we want to be correct as well. This may lead to internalisation.

Question 6

Normative Social Control (NSI)

Answer 6

An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted, gain social approval and be liked. This may lead to compliance.

Question 7

Asch’s Study - Conformity

Answer 7

123 American males
Thought they were taking part in a perception test
Tested in a group of confederates (actors)
Only ONE real participant per group
For this baseline study the participants were shown cards with lines on them, they then had to answer which line matched the height of the line shown on the previous card. The confederates were told to answer the first two questions correctly and the following questions wrong to see if the blind participant would conform to their answers or stay true to himself. - The real participant was always second to last!