Lesson 1: Types of conformity

Question 1

What is conformity?

Answer 1

It is a form of social influence whereby a person changes their behaviour, attitudes or beliefs so that they are in line with the majority.

Question 2

Why may conformity occur?

Answer 2

It may occur due to pressure from the majority (this can be real or imagined)

Question 3

What are the three types of conformity?

Answer 3

1. Compliance
2. Internalisation
3. Identification

Question 4

What is meant by compliance?

Answer 4

Compliance is when individuals adjust the behaviour, attitudes or beliefs they show in public so that they are in line with the majority.

Question 5

What is meant by internalisation?

Answer 5

Internalisation is when individuals adjust their behaviour, attitudes or beliefs both PUBLICALLY and PRIVATELY so that they are in line with the majority.

Question 6

What is identification?

Answer 6

Identification is when an individual accepts social influence because they want to be associated with a role model or social group

Question 7

Does compliance bring about any changes to private behaviour, attitudes or beliefs?

Answer 7

NO
This type of conformity is SUPERFICIAL and TEMPORARY-
It only lasts while the group is present

Question 8

Does internalisation bring about any permanent changes to an individuals own behaviour, attitudes or beliefs? (Explain why)

Answer 8

YES

-Within this type of conformity, the individual examines their own behaviour, attitudes or beliefs based on what others are saying and decides that the majority is correct

Therefore, making internalisation a deeper more permanent form of conformity

Question 9

Why may identification occur?

Answer 9

An individual may adopt the role model/group’s behaviour, attitudes or beliefs in order to feel CONNECTED to the role model/group