explanations of conformity Flashcards
: INFORMATIONAL SOCIAL INFLUENCE Definition
ISI is driven by the desire to be right. When an individual lacks knowledge about
how to behave, they conform by seeking information from the group about how to behave
and assume that it is right. This is a cognitive process.
This explanation of conformity leads to internalisation, in which individuals publicly and
privately change their views to be in line with a group.
NORMATIVE SOCIAL INFLUENCE Definition
NSI is driven by our desire to be liked. An individual will ‘go along with’ a group’s behaviour in
order to avoid ridicule and gain acceptance from them and fit in. This is an emotional
process.
This explanation of conformity leads to compliance, in which individuals publicly change their
views to go along with the group, but privately revert back to their original views.
Research to support ISI conducted by?
Jenness,
Procedure of research to support ISI by Jenness
participants were asked to individually estimate the number of jelly beans in a jar, then decide on a group estimate
and finally, have a last private, individual guess
Findings of research to support ISI by Jenness
Jenness found that participants second private
estimate was significantly closer to the groups estimate than their own original estimate. This supports
ISI because the task was ambiguous and as the participants were unsure of the answer, they sought
information from the group and changed their estimate publicly and privately to be right
Criticism of Jenness’ research in ISI
lacks ecological
validity. This is because the study took place in an artificial environment (lab).
It is difficult to generalise the findings that individuals conform due to a desire to be right, to real life examples of ISI, as in real life, people may be less likely to conform to a group as there may be consequences for
their actions, unlike in an artificial lab setting.
Research to support NSI conducted by?
Asch
Procedure of research to support NSI by Asch
Participants were asked to state which line a, b, or c was closest in length to stimulus line ‘x’. Confederates answered first and gave an incorrect answer.
Findings of research to support NSI by Asch
Asch found that participants conformed and said the same wrong answer as the confederates 37% of the time. This supports NSI as an explanation of conformity BECAUSE the task was simple and the participants later stated they knew the answer but conformed in order to avoid ridicule from the group, which is what NSI suggests.
Criticism of Asch’ research in NSI
gender bias, as only males were tested.
females might be more conformist because they are more concerned about social
relationships and are more concerned with being liked by their peers than males (Neto,1995)
Neto 1995
females might be more conformist because they are more concerned about social
relationships and are more concerned with being liked by their peers than males
females might be more conformist because they are more concerned about social
relationships and are more concerned with being liked by their peers than males
Neto 1995
