Explanations for conformity

Question 1

Information social influence (ISI)

Answer 1

Conformity due to not being sure what the correct way to behave is (need to be right)
relates to internalisation

Question 2

Normative social influence (NSI)

Answer 2

Conformity due to a need for social approval (need to be liked).
relates to compliance

Question 3

Evaluation Strength: support for ISI

Answer 3

Lucas et al (2006) found students were more likely to conform to the incorrect answers of a challenging math problem as opposed to easier ones.

Question 4

Evaluation strength: support for NSI

Answer 4

Asch (1951) found people were less likely to go along with the rest of the group and give incorrect answers when they could write their answers down.

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: NSI individual differences

Answer 5

McGee and Teevan (1967) found that students high in need for affiliation were more likely to conform as they are the type of people who cared more about being liked.

Question 6

Evaluation weakness: ISI individual differences

Answer 6

Asch found that students conformed less (28%) than other participants in his study (37%).

Question 7

Evaluation weakness: NSI & ISI work together

Answer 7

Conformity could decrease in Asch’s study when there is a dissenter because there is less pressure to conform (NSI) and also more information available for the person to change their viewpoint (ISI).