Conformity Types and explanations*

Question 1

Compliance

Answer 1

Temporary agreement. ‘Going along with others’ in public but not changing their beliefs privately. Stops when group pressure ceases

Question 2

Identification

Answer 2

• Value the group. Publicly change out opinions even if we don’t privately agree

Question 3

Internalisation

Answer 3

Think the group is right. Genuinely accepts groups norms. Privately and publicly change our views. Permanent

Question 4

Normative social influence

Answer 4

• what is ‘normal’ for a social group.
• Emotional rather than cognitive process
• Don’t want rejection. want social approval
• look to others for how to behave
• Happens more in stressful situations.

Question 5

informational social influence

Answer 5

• Conform because we want to be right
• cognitive process-people generally want to be right
• Happens in new situations
• may happen when decisions need to be quickly decided on

Question 6

Strength of NSI- research support

Answer 6

• Asch -Conformed as they were affraid of disapproval
• when they wrote answers down, conformity fell to 12.5%
• Shows desire to not be rejected but disagreeing with the group

Question 7

Strength of ISI- research support

Answer 7

• Lucas et al- ppts conformed more to incorrect answers when match problems were more difficult
• Ambiguous (unclear) so relied on answers they were given
• Supports ISI and it’s what it predicts

Question 8

counterpoint

Answer 8

• ISI and NSI operate together in most real world situations
• A dissenter may reduce NSI or ISI

Question 9

Limitations of NSI- individual differences

Answer 9

• Some are concerned about being liked by others. affiliators have strong need for affiliation.
• McGhee and Teevan found these are more likely to conform.
• NSI underlies conformity for some more than others.