explanations of conformity (deusch and gerard)

Question 1

informational social influence

Answer 1

we agree with majority opinion because we believe it is correct and want to be right
about who has better information - you or group
cognitive process
leads to permanent change in behaviour
likely to happen in new/ambiguous or crisis situations

Question 2

normative social influence

Answer 2

we agree with the majority opinion because we want to gain social approval and be liked
may lead to compliance
is about what is ‘normal’/typical of a group
emotional process
leads to temporary change
likely to occur when concerned about rejection/around people who you want social approval from

Question 3

research support for isi

Answer 3

strength
lucas et al.
pps conformed more when maths problems were harder
shows conformity increases as task difficulty increases
increase validity

Question 4

c - research support for isi

Answer 4

often unclear whether this is due to nsi or isi

Question 5

research support for nsi

Answer 5

strength
asch
when answers were written down, conformity fell to 12.5%
this may be because when answers are spoken, may have conformed to avoid judgement
increase validity

Question 6

individual differences in nsi

Answer 6

limitation
mcghee & teevan
nAffiliators - strong need to be liked
found higher levels of conformity within nAffiliators
decreases validity