Social Infleunce: Types And Explanations For Conformity

Question 1

What are the three evaluation points for types and explanations for conformity

Answer 1

• research support for ISI
• individual differences in NSI
• ISI and NSI work together

Question 2

Outline ‘research support for ISI’ as an evaluation point for types and explanations for conformity

Answer 2

• Lucas et al - asked students to give answers to mathematical problems that were easy/difficult
• greater conformity to incorrect answers when questions were harder
• this was true for most students who rated their mathematical ability as poor

Question 3

Outline ‘individual differences in NSI’ as an evaluation point for types and explanations for conformity

Answer 3

• research shows NSI does not effect everyone’s behaviour the same
• those who have a need for association with others are described as nAffiliators (people who have a greater need for affiliation)
• McGhee and Teevan - found students high in need of affiliation were more likely to conform

Question 4

Outline ‘ISI and NSI work together’ as an evaluation point for types and explanations for conformity

Answer 4

• idea of Deutsch and gerrad’s ‘two process’ approach states conformity is either due to NSI or ISI
• often both processes are involved
• e.g. conformity is reduced when there is one dissenting participant in Aschs study, this dissenter likely reduces the power of NSI and ISI