Conformity: types and explanations

Question 1

Definition of conformity

Answer 1

A change in a person’s behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a person or group of people.

Question 2

What are the three types of conformity

Answer 2

Kelman argues that there are 3 ways in which people conform:
1)Internalisation
2)identification
3)compliance

Question 3

Internalisation

Answer 3

Internalisation is where the behaviour or belief of the majority is accepted by the individual and becomes part of his or her own belief system. It is the most permanent form of conformity.

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

We act in the same way as the group because we value it and want to be a part of it. This may mean that we publicly change our opinions/behaviour to achieve this goal, even if we don’t privately agree with the group

Question 5

Compliance

Answer 5

We go along with the majority view but privately disagree with it. Because identifying with a majority is desirable, they change their views/actions to fit in with them. The particular behaviour stops as soon as the group pressure stops.

Question 6

Normative Social influence (NSI)

Answer 6

It is about what is normal behaviour in public. Someone conforms in order to fit in and gain approval from other group members. Leads to compliance and identification

Question 7

Informational Social Influence (ISI)

Answer 7

People conform because they are uncertain about what to do in a certain situation,so they look for others for guidance. This type of conformity leads to internalisation.
The reason why people do this is because they want to feel right.

Question 8

What type of process is ISI and when is it likely to occur

Answer 8

Cognitive as it has to do with what you think. Most likely to occur when a situation is new to the person or when there is some sort of ambiguity . Also when you have to make decisions quickly. Also occurs when one person is regarded as more of an expert.

Question 9

What type of process is the NSI and when is it likely to occur

Answer 9

It is a emotional process rather than cognitive. Likely to occur in situations with strangers where you are concerned about rejection. Also occurs with people we know because we are most concerned about social approval from our friends. More likely to occur in stressful situations

Question 10

Explanations for conformity

Answer 10

Gerard and Deutsch propose the two process theory which argues that main reason why people conform is due to:

Normative Social Influence

Informational Social influence