Explanations and types of conformity Flashcards
Who researched the types of conformity ?
Kelman
What are the three types of conformity ?
- internalisation
- identification
- compliance
What is internalisation ?
- someone genuinely accepts the group norms
- private and public change
- permanent as attitudes have been internalised
What is identification ?
- we conform to the opinions of a group because we value the group
- we want to be part of a group so we conform
- public change of opinion but not privately
What is compliance ?
- ‘going on with others’
- not a private change
- conformity stops as soon as group pressure stops
Who looked at the explanations for conformity ?
Deutsch and Gerard
What is ISI ?
- Informational social influence
- the want to be right
- E.g when your class all give one answer, you accept it because it is likely to be right
- Permanent change in opinion, cognitive
- In situations that are new
What is NSI ?
- normative social influence
- following norms
- the want for approval or not to seem foolish
- Emotional rather than cognitive
- occurs in situations that you want to feel socially approved
What are the evaluations of ISI ?
Strength = research support
Lucas et al found that participants conformed more often to maths questions when they were difficult. When the situation became unsure they didn’t want to be wrong, so relied on others.
Limitation: Unclear whether it’s ISI or NSI happening
Asch found conformity reduced when there was one dissenting participant. Because they provide for NSI (social support) and ISI (alternative answer)
Hard to separate as they probably work together in real-life.
What are the evaluations of NSI ?
Strength = research support
Asch interviewed his participants, and some said that the performed as they were scared to give the incorrect answer and receive disapproval. Conformity reduced when they wrote there answers down. Because they weren’t giving into public pressure.
Limitation = Doesn’t predict every case of conformity
Some people are greatly concerned with being liked by others. This can be called nAffiliators, they also feel ithers emotions more. This shows that NSI conformity occurs more for some than it does other’s.
