Conformity

Question 1

What is conformity?

Answer 1

Yielding to group pressure and matching the behaviour and beliefs of the majority to fit in

Question 2

What are the 3 types of conformity?

Answer 2

1. Compliance
2. Internalisation
3. Identification

Question 3

What is compliance?

Answer 3

1. Explained by normative social influence (following the group norms to be accepted)
2. Going along with the majority but privately disagreeing with them.

Question 4

What is internalisation?`

Answer 4

1. Explained by informational social influence (observing and imitating the behaviour of others b/c we don’t know how to behave)
2. Attitudes become consistent with the majority.

Question 5

What is identification? Why does it occur?

Answer 5

1. Short-term normative social influence.
2. Temporary change of behaviour and beliefs that only lasts as long as the associated group is present.
3. Occurs b/c we like to be defined as a group, so we adopt the beliefs and behaviours to fit in.

Question 6

What is deindividuation?

Answer 6

1. Losing sense of personal identity and self-awareness when in a crowd.
2. Involves becoming anonymous and forming a new identity based on the group’s norms - feel less responsible for our actions
3. May amplify/change beliefs

Question 7

What situational factors affect conformity?

Answer 7

1. Size of the majority
   - the greater the size the greater the influence
2. Unanimity of the majority
   - disagreement = no unanimous decision to change, so there is no fear of rejection or need to fit in
3. Task difficulty/ambiguity
   - difficult task = increased likeliness of informational social influence

Question 8

What personality factors affect conformity?

Answer 8

Locus of control

• External = more likely to conform and less personal responsibility
• Internal = less likely to conform b/c they are self-directed in their behaviour

Question 9

What is independent behaviour?

Answer 9

Resisting social pressure while being aware of it