Psychology - Social Influence: Explanations for conformity Informational/Normative Flashcards
What are the two process theories?
They explain why people conform - They are based on two basic human needs: the need to be right; the need to be liked
What is Informational social Influence?
Where you conform to the majority because you believe they have the right information: you are not sure
What type of process is informational social influence?
It is a cognitive process - You think about your actions and do what they do as they must have more information
When is Informational Social Influence Likely to occur?
In a Novel, ambiguous or crisis situation
What is Normative social Influence?
When we conform to the norm as we don’t want to look foolish
What type of Process is Normative social influence?
An Emotional Process - We want to be accepted so we conform
What is a Social Norm?
A social norm is something that is considered normal within a society
What is a strength of Informational Social Influence?
Jenne’s Jelly Bean Study
What was Jenne’s Jelly Bean Study?
A lab experiment where P’s were asked to estimate how many Jelly Beans were in a Jar and then were asked to discuss in groups and give a second private estimate
What were the results of Jenne’s Jelly Bean Study?
It was found that the 2nd private estimate moved closer to the group - especially in females - displaying Informational social influence as they believe others have more information than them
What is a weakness of Informational Social Influence?
Individual difference - Not everyone will react in the same way and that will therefore affect the DV of Jenne’s Jelly bean Study
Some people don’t conform due to personality and this explanation doesn’t suggest why
What is a Strength of Normative social influence?
The Hotel Towels Experiment
What was the Hotel Towels Experiment?
An independent group design where P’s had a letter on the door informing them that its better to reuse towels - one group was told 75% of guests reused towels
What were the results of the Hotel Towels Experiment?
25% more P’s reused their towels showing that they conformed to the perceived group behaviour - Normative Social Influence
What is a Negative of Normative Social influence?
Individual difference - Not everyone will react in the same way and that will therefore affect the DV of the Towel study
Some people don’t conform due to personality and this explanation doesn’t suggest why
