Explanations for conformity

Question 1

two explanations for conformity

Answer 1

• normative social influence
• informational social influence

Question 2

normative social influence

Answer 2

• fundamental need for social approval + acceptance
• we avoid any behaviour that will make others reject/ ridicule us
• lead us to copy others’ behaviour to ‘fit in’
• normative SI likely to lead to compliance

Question 3

informational social influence

Answer 3

• fundamental need to be right + have accurate perception of reality
• if it’s not possible to check the facts, we will rely on the opinions of others to check if they’re correct = then use as evidence about reality
• more likely to occur in ambiguous situations or when others are EXPERTS
• informational SI leads to internalisation

Question 4

ads of explanations for conformity

Answer 4

• Asch’s study (test lines)
• Jenness’ study (beans in a jar)
• Sherif’s study (autokinetic effect)

Question 5

disads of explanations for conformity

Answer 5

• ingrational conformity
• dispositional factors

Question 6

Asch’s study (test lines) - ads of explanations for conformity

Answer 6

procedure:
- placed a naiive part in a group w/ several confederates
- group asked to look at ‘standard line’ + decide individually which of the other ‘test lines’ was the same length as the ‘standard line’ = w/out discussion
- then gave answers one by one, out loud
- answer was obvious BUT confederates gave wrong answer 12/18 trials
- In 33% of trials = parts conformed (chance of making a mistake - 1%)
= conformed due to NORMATIVE SOCIAL INFLUENCE

Question 7

Jenness’ study (beans in a jar) - ads of explanations for conformity

Answer 7

• asked parts to estimate how many beans they thought were in a jar
• each part made an individual estimate first + then as a group
• found that when the task was carried out in a group, parts estimates were roughly the same value (individual guesses were different)
  = conformed due to INFORMATIONAL SOCIAL INFLUENCE)
  = parts were uncertain about the actual number of beans in the jar

Question 8

Sherif’s study (autokinetic effect) - ads of explanations for conformity

Answer 8

• used the autokinetic effect:
• a visual illusion of a small spot of light in a dark room will appear to move, even though it hasn’t
• when parts guessed individually of how far the light actually moved = varied (20-80cm)
• parts then tested in groups of 3 (2 parts w/ similar guesses + 1 different)
  = found that group decided on a common estimate (very different part conformed to other 2 = INFORMATIONAL SOCIAL INFLUENCE = ambiguous task)

Question 9

ingrational conformity - disads of explanations for conformity

Answer 9

• suggested that there is a third explanation for conformity = ingrational conformity
• similar to normative SI
• BUT motivated by the need to impress or gain favour, rather than fear of rejection = conformity

Question 10

dispositional factors - disads of explanations for conformity

Answer 10

• dispositional factors (i.e. personality traits) may also impact whether a person chooses to conform or not
• people w/ an internal locus of control = less likely to conform
  = believe what happens in their life is a result of their own behaviour
• people w/ an external locus of control = more likely to conform
  = believe that what happens in their lives is outside of their control