Conformity Flashcards
Give a definition of conformity
A type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group.
What are the three types of conformity?
Internalisation, identification and compliance
What does the type of conformity ‘Internalisation’ entail?
People genuinely accept an opinion, belief or behaviour and agree with it both publicly and privately. It is long-lasting.
Give an example of internalisation
Becoming a vegetarian or converting to a different religion
What does the type of conformity ‘Identification’ entail?
People change their public behaviour and sometimes their private beliefs when they are influenced by someone they like or respect. It is temporary and only happens when the person is with the group that they are identifying with.
Give an example of identification
When you change your outfit for a party after you’ve asked your friend what she’s wearing and her outfit is more dressed up than yours.
What does the type of conformity ‘Compliance’ entail?
People publicly agree with others but keep their own beliefs private and different - “they go along with the crowd”. Compliance is only temporary and only happens when someone is under surveillance or feels a need to please someone important.
Give an example of compliance
Acknowledging someone is doing something wrong - like stealing - but ignoring it/ not telling on them
Who developed the two-process theory stating that there were 2 reasons (ISI and NSI) people conformed based on human needs?
Deutsch and Gerard (1955)
What are the two reasonings for conformity?
ISI (the need to be right) and NSI (the need to be liked)
Give information on ISI
ISI is the need to be right and usually occurs because we are unsure about what behaviours/ beliefs are right or wrong.
We look at who has the better info (us or the group?)
ISI is a cognitive process - so we follow the majority of the group because we want to be right.
It is most likely to occur in new or ambiguous situations.
Give 1 strength of ISI
Research support - Lucas et al. (2006) asked participants to solve ‘easy’ and ‘hard’ maths problems. Participants were given answers from 3 other ‘students’. The participants conformed more often (agreed with the wrong answer) when the problem was harder. When the problems were easier the participants “knew their own minds”, but when the problem got more difficult the situation became ambiguous. The participants didn’t want to be wrong so they relied on the answers they were given.
Give 1 weakness of ISI
Individual differences - Asch (1955) found that students were less conformist (28%) than other participants (37%). People who are knowledgeable and/ or confident are less influenced by the apparently ‘right’ view of a majority. Therefore there are differences in how individuals respond to ISI.
Give information on NSI
NSI is the need to be liked.
It is all about norms - a desire to behave like others and not look foolish.
NSI is an emotional process - people prefer social approval rather than rejection.
It is likely to occur in situations with strangers where you might feel concerned about rejection.
NSI is more noticeable in stressful situations because people need more social support.
Give 1 strength of NSI
Research support - Asch (1951) asked participants why they agreed with the wrong answer - some said they felt self conscious giving the right answer and were afraid of disproval. When asked to write down their own answers, conformity rates fell to 12.5%, supporting the fact that the participants were conforming because of NSI.
