conformity: types and explanations

Question 1

what are the three different types of conformity

Answer 1

1. Internalisation - when a person accepts the group norms. Private and public change of behaviour. Change usually permanent
2. identification - conform to a group because there is something in that group we value. We identify with the group so we want to be a part of it. Public change even if they don’t change in private.
3. Compliance - going along with others in public but not changing personal opinions in private. Superficial change

Question 2

what are the two different explanations for conformity

Answer 2

• Informational social influence
• normative social influence

Question 3

explain informational social influence

Answer 3

• is about who has the better information
• follow behaviour because we want to be right
  leads to permanent change (internalisation)
  most likely to happen in new situations of where there is ambiguity or in crisis situations where a person has to make a decision quickly.

Question 4

explain informational social influence

Answer 4

• is about who has the better information
• follow behaviour because we want to be right
  leads to permanent change (internalisation)

Question 5

explain normative social influence

Answer 5

• people want to gain social approval rather than being rejected
• emotional rather than cognitive process
• occurs when someone is afraid of rejection
• may occur with friends because we’re concerned about the social approval of those we know
• may be pronounced in stressful situations where people have a greater need for social support.

Question 6

who developed explanations for conformity

Answer 6

Deutsch and Gerald (1995) developed a two process model arguing there are two main reasons why a person conforms. Based it on two central human needs 1- the need to be right (ISI) 2- the need to be liked (NSI)