Conformity types and explanations (AO1)

Question 1

1st type of conformity

Answer 1

Internalisation - When a person genuinely accepts the beliefs of the group, private and public. They uphold them even in absence of group members.

Question 2

2nd type of conformity

Answer 2

Identification - When we want to become a part of the group because we value them, so we publicly change our opinions even if you don’t privately agree with everything.

Question 3

3rd type of conformity

Answer 3

Compliance - A temporary agreement so we can ‘get along with others’ in public, but not privately changing our opinions. This results in a superficial change in opinion that stops when the group pressure ceases

Question 4

Explanation 1

Answer 4

Information Social Influence (ISI) - A desire to be right, it occurs in ambiguous situations. It is a cognitive process as people want to be right, ISI leads to internalisation.

Question 5

Explanation 2

Answer 5

Normative Social Influence (NSI) - A desire to behave like others and not appear foolish (emotional process), it is emotional as people would rather social approval rather than rejection, it leads to compliance. It is most likely in situations where you don’t know the norms and look to others for guidance. Occurs with strangers if you don’t want to be rejected, or with people we know for their approval, and in stressful situations where you need social support.