Explanations of Conformity

Question 1

Who devised the explanations for conformity?

Answer 1

Deutsch and Gerard (1954)

Question 2

What is the first explanation for conformity?

Answer 2

Normative social influence, which refers to the desire to be liked.

• occurs where there is high social pressure
• need to feel solidarity and avoid alienation/rejection

Question 3

What is the second explanation for conformity?

Answer 3

Informational social influence, which refers to the desire to be right.

• we feel that other group members must be ‘correct’.
• occurs in the case of difficult/ambiguous tasks

Question 4

Evaluate NSI.

Answer 4

Strength:
Evidence to support - Asch’s Study
when ppts wrote down answers, conformity fell to 12.5%.
Weakness:
processes of NSI and ISI can operate together in most real-world situations.

Question 5

Evaluate ISI.

Answer 5

Strength:
Evidence to support - Lucas et al
easy maths problems = higher conformity levels
Weakness:
individual differences at play i.e. nAffiliators with a strong need to relate