Conformity And Obedience

Question 1

Identification

Answer 1

Identification describes the process of conforming because that person approves of the person displaying that behaviour or attitude (model). They want to be like the model, and so they take on the model’s attitudes and display similar behaviours. These attitudes are not strongly held, however.
Identification is usually motivated by a desire to be like a specific model, and to be associated with that model.
If an individual has adopted a behaviour because of identification, they may display it when apart from the model, but may not - particularly if it is challenged by someone else.
For example a person might recycle when with flatmates but not during the holidays when flatmates are not around.

Question 2

Compliance

Answer 2

Compliance describes the process of conforming to gain something (or possibly to avoid losing something).
People who comply may not actually agree with the norm, but will go along with others in order to gain approval or avoid disapproval.
Compliance is usually motivated by a desire to fit in.
If an individual is only performing a particular action because of compliance, they are only likely to exhibit this behaviour in future if other group members are monitoring them.
For example a person might laugh at the joke that others are laughing at while privately not finding it very funny.

Question 3

Internalisation

Answer 3

Internalisation describes the process of conforming because that person agrees with the social norm and thinks it is important. They conform to the norm because they believe it is the right thing to do.
Internalisation is usually motivated by a desire not just to fit in, but also to take on a group’s norms as one’s own.
If an individual has adopted a behaviour because of internalisation, then they are likely to perform it even if they are on their own.
For example a person may become a vegetarian after sharing a flat with a group of vegetarians.

Question 4

Normative influence

Question 5

Informational influence

Question 6

Individual factors

Answer 6

• Gender
• Self esteem

Question 7

Situational factors

Answer 7

• Group size
• Group unanimity
• Task difficulty

Question 8

Cultural factors

Answer 8

• collectivist
• individualistic cultures

Question 9

Key studies

Question 10

Factors affecting obedience

Answer 10

o perceived legitimate authority
o socialisation
o authoritarian parenting
o autonomous and agentic levels of behaviour
o situational factors: proximity, location, wearing a uniform