Conformity - Types And Explanations

Question 1

Internalisation

Answer 1

Deepest level of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct. It leads to far-reaching and permanent change in behaviour, even when the group is absent

Question 2

Identification

Answer 2

Moderate level of conformity where we act in the same way as the group because we want to be a part of it. It only leads to public change in behaviour/ beliefs

Question 3

Compliance

Answer 3

Superficial level of conformity where we go along with the majority view but privately disagree with it. Temporary change in behaviour

Question 4

Who proposed the 3 types of conformity?

Answer 4

Kelman (1958)

Question 5

Informational social influence (ISI)

Answer 5

An explanation of conformity that says we follow the behaviour of the group because we feel they are correct. It is a cognitive process that leads to a permanent change in opinion/ behaviour

Question 6

Normative social influence (NSI)

Answer 6

An explanation of conformity that says we follow the behaviour of the group because we want to gain social approval / be accepted. It is an emotional process that leads to a temporary change in opinion/ behaviour

Question 7

Who proposed the 2 explanations for conformity?

Answer 7

Deutsch and Gerard (1955)

Question 8

Evaluation of NSI

Answer 8

• Research support (eg. Post Asch interviews found that some conformed due fear of disapproval. When participants wrote their answers down instead, conformity fell to 12.5%)
• Individual differences (eg. McGhee & Teevan found nAffiliators are more likely to conform)

Question 9

Evaluation of ISI

Answer 9

• Research support (eg. Lucas found conformity to incorrect maths answer increased with difficulty)
• Unclear if it’s NSI or ISI (eg. Dissenter in Asch 1951 may have provided social support or alternative)