Evaluation For Explanations Of Conformity

Question 1

Strength- Research support for NSI

Answer 1

P- Asch found that many P’s went along with a wrong answer because others did
E- P’s said they felt self-conscious in fear of disapproval, when Asch asked P’s to write down instead of shout out, conformity dropped to 12.5%
L- strength because it shows the desire to be liked by the group is a key reason for conformity

Question 2

Weakness- individual differences in NSI

Answer 2

P- cannot predict conformity in every case because it doesn’t affect everyone’s behaviour the same
E- some people are naffiliators which means they have a strong need for “affiliation”
L- weakness because the desire to be liked cannot explain why everyone conforms due to individual differences

Question 3

Strength- Real life applications

Answer 3

P- use real life applications to explain why people conform in everyday life
E- peer pressure is an everyday occurrence for young people which could contribute to NSI
L- helps explain how people use NSI and ISI on a daily basis

Question 4

Weakness- Differences for ISI

Answer 4

P- Doesn’t affect everyone’s behaviour in the same way
E- Perrin & Spencer conducted a study involving science and engineering students. They were confident in estimating line lengths and knew they were right so didn’t conform
L- plays an important role in the way people respond, suggests that when an individual is confident the need to fit in is reduced