Paper 1 - Social Influence - Topic 1 - Conformity: Types And Explanations

Question 1

1.2 - What are the three types of conformity suggested by Herbert Kerman?

Answer 1

The three types of conformity are internalisation, identification, and compliance

Question 2

1.2 - What is internalisation in the context of conformity?

Answer 2

Internalisation occurs when a person genuinely accepts group norms, resulting in a permanent change in opinions/behaviour

Question 3

1.2 - What is identification in the context of conformity?

Answer 3

Identification occurs when a person conforms to the opinions/behaviour of a group they value, leading to public change but not necessarily private agreement

Question 4

1.2 - What is compliance in the context of conformity?

Answer 4

Compliance involves publicly going along with others while privately maintaining personal opinions, resulting in a superficial change

Question 5

1.2 - What are the two main reasons people conform according to Morton Deutsch and Harold Gerard?

Answer 5

The two main reasons are the need to be right (ISI) and the need to be liked (NSI)

Question 6

1.2 - What is ISI?

Answer 6

ISI is when individuals conform because they believe the group has better information, leading to a permanent change in opinion/behaviour

Question 7

1.2 - In what situations is ISI most likely to occur?

Answer 7

ISI is most likely to occur in new situations, ambiguous situations, or crisis situations where quick decisions are needed

Question 8

1.2 - What is NSI?

Answer 8

NSI is when individuals conform to group norms to gain social approval or avoid rejection, leading to a temporary change in opinion/behaviour of

Question 9

1.2 - In what situations is NSI most likely to occur?

Answer 9

NSI is likely to occur in situations with strangers or in stressful situations where social approval is desired

Question 10

1.2 - What research supports NSI?

Answer 10

Asch’s (1951) study found that participants conformed due to fear of disapproval, with conformity dropping when answers were given privately

Question 11

1.2 - What research supports ISI?

Answer 11

Lucas et al. (2006) found participants conformed more to incorrect answers when maths problems were difficult, indicating reliance on group answers

Question 12

1.2 - What is a counterpoint regarding the distinction between NSI and ISI?

Answer 12

It is often unclear whether NSI or ISI is at work, as seen in Asch’s (1955) study where dissenting participants could reduce the influence of both

Question 13

1.2 - What are the individual differences in NSI?

Answer 13

Not everyone conforms due to NSI; individuals known as affiliators have a stronger need for social approval and are more likely to conform to

Question 14

1.2 - Is the distinction between NSI and ISI useful?

Answer 14

The distinction may not be useful as it is difficult to determine which is operating, but both NSI and ISI can be demonstrated in research