Conformity : Explanations for conformity Flashcards
What is normative social influence?
Humans are social species and fear for censure and rejection so they go along with the majority without really accepting their point of view. This type of conformity is usually referred to as ‘compliance’. People tend to conform to the majority position in public and do not necessarily internalise this view as it does not carry over into private settings and it doesn’t stay with them over time.
What is informational social influence?
Human beings have a need to feel confident that their perceptions and beliefs are correct so if they cannot rely on facts they will trust what the majority say or what opinions they have. Informative social influence normally occurs when a situation is ambiguous (i.e. the right course of action is not clear) or if the others are experts (i.e. we believe that others have more knowledge than we have). As a result, the individual does not just comply with behaviour alone but also changes their behaviour in line with the group position. Because this involves changing both public and private attitudes and behaviour.
