Explanations of Conformity (WHY people conform)

Question 1

What is Normative social influence?

Answer 1

When a person conforms to be accepted or become part of a group

e.g, they would be ridiculed for not fitting in so they fit in

They have to constantly think they are being watched by the group for them to conform

Question 2

What types of conformity are associated with Normative social influence?

Answer 2

Compliance (PUBLIC)

Identification (PUBLIC, only private when in the presence of the group)

Question 3

What is Informational social influence?

Answer 3

When a person conforms to gain knowledge, or because they think the group is correct

e.g, someone changing the party they vote for from Conservatives to Labour, they have internalised these beliefs and think that they are correct

Question 4

Which type of conformity is associated with informational social influence?

Answer 4

Internalisation (changes PUBLIC and PRIVATE beliefs)

• They genuinely believe
  that the new belief is
  correct

Question 5

AO3 +

Research support for Normative social influence

Answer 5

Study in to teens

-The teens were told that most of their peers didn’t smoke
-They were found to be less likely to smoke after this

Shows that people shape their behaviour around ‘fitting in to a group’

Question 6

AO3 +

Research support for Informational social influence

Answer 6

Researchers exposed ppts to negative information about black people

-These ppts later showed more negative attitudes towards black people

Therefore shows how information changed their beliefs, which then shaped their behaviour