SI - types and explanations of conformity (A03)

Question 1

What is a strength of NSI theory? - Empirical supporting evidence

Answer 1

===> Asch’s classic line study. 36.8% of naïve ppts. gave an incorrect answer in the line study, dropped to 12.5% when they wrote answer down. Post-experiment interviews revealed ppts. changed their answer to avoid disapproval

Question 2

What is a strength for ISI theory? - Empirical supporting evidence

Answer 2

===> Lucas et al (2006) asked students maths questions. Greater conformity to difficult questions than easy, most true for those that rated their maths ability as poor - increases validity of explanation

Question 3

What is a limitation for Deutsch and Gerrard’s two process model? - Doesn’t offer a complete explanation

Answer 3

===> Turner (2008) argues people conform to maintain the norms of the group - as they see themselves belonging to the ‘in-group’ (referent informational influence - RII) based on social identity theory. Suggests people may conform due to reasons that the two process model doesn’t measure

Question 4

What is a limitation for the two process model? - Doesn’t consider individual differences

Answer 4

===> McGhee and Teevan (1967) found students with a high need for affiliation (nAffiliators) were more likely to conform - NSI affects people differently. Perrin and Spencer (1980) found very little conformity in replication of Asch study with engineering students. Challenges validity of explanation