explanations of conformity

Question 1

What are the two motivating forces identified by Deutsch and Gerard (1955) that explain why people conform?

Answer 1

The two motivating forces are informational social influence and normative social influence.

Question 2

What is informational social influence (ISI)?

Answer 2

Informational social influence is the desire to feel that one’s opinions and beliefs are correct.

Question 3

Can you provide an example of informational social influence?

Answer 3

conforming to others’ behaviour at a formal restaurant when unsure about which cutlery to use.

You copy someone else who seems to know what they’re doing.

Question 4

What is normative social influence (NSI)?

Answer 4

Normative social influence is the desire to be accepted by others and not be rejected, motivating individuals to conform to the beliefs and opinions of a group.

Question 5

What motivates individuals in normative social influence?

Answer 5

not a desire to be correct, but a desire to be liked and accepted.

Question 6

Can you provide an example of normative social influence?

Answer 6

being peer pressured into agreeing with the group’s opinions on politics.

This illustrates the desire to fit in.