Conformity - Types and Explanations

Question 1

Compliance

Answer 1

Publicly, but not privately going along with majority influence to gain approval/avoid ridicule. Weak/temporary and only shown in presence of group

Question 2

Identification

Answer 2

Public and private acceptance of majority influence in order to gain group acceptance. Stronger form of conformity, but still temporary - Don’t always agree with the group

Question 3

Internalisation

Answer 3

Public and private acceptance of majority influence, through adoption of the majority group’s belief system.
Stronger, permanent form of conformity, as it is maintained outside of the group’s presence.

Question 4

Informative Social Influence

Answer 4

ISI is a cognitive process. ISI is an explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. We accept it because we want to be correct as well. We change both our private and public behaviour/views to be consistent with the majority.

Question 5

Normative Social Influence

Answer 5

NSI is an emotional process rather than a cognitive one. NSI is an explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted. People do not like to appear
foolish. We want to gain social approval.