Social Influence

Question 1

Define conformity

Answer 1

Type of social influence causing a change in belief/ behaviour to fit into a group/norm

Question 2

Name three types of conformity

Answer 2

Compliance
Identification
Internalisation

Question 3

Explain compliance

Answer 3

Going along with others in public but not changing internally/personal opinions. But stops when there is no group pressure

When people walk across the road when there’s a gap in traffic. You do to so you don’t look odd

Question 4

Explain identification

Answer 4

Person changes public behaviour/beliefs but only whilst in the presence of the group. Result as normative social influence

When visiting the UK from USA standing up for the national anthem so he doesn’t upset his hosts

Question 5

Explain internalisation

Answer 5

Person genuinely accepts the group norms both publicly/privately

Lives w/ vegans researches and likes their values. So becomes a vegan bit when removed from group scenario still vegan

Question 6

Name the two explanations for conformity

Answer 6

Informational social influence (ISI)
Normative social influence (NSI)

Question 7

Explain informational social influence

Answer 7

You conform because you want to be right. Looking at the majority for info as you are unsure on how to behave. This leads to internalisation

Question 8

Explain normative social influence

Answer 8

You conform to be liked. Where you want to be liked by the majority and go along even if we don’t agree. This is compliance

Question 9

What was the aim of Asch’s research

Answer 9

Examine the extent to which social pressure from a majority could affect a person to conform

Question 10

Explain Asch’s method 1951

Answer 10

He took 123 males and they took part in a line judgment test. Where he put on naive males against 6-8 confederates who had already planned their answers. To analyse how easily the male conformed with the group in order to be liked

Question 11

Results of Asch’s research

Answer 11

26% didn’t conform at any trial
74% confirmed at least once

Question 12

What were Asch’s variation studies 1955
And their results

Answer 12

Group size
Conformity peaked at 3 confederates 32%

Unanimity
Refers to the extent that members of a majority agree with one another
Less conformity when a confederate breaks the pattern of incorrect answers. Conformity 9%

Task difficulty
When difficulty increased so did conformity