Social influence

Question 1

What is Kelman’s explanation for conformity?

Answer 1

• 3 levels: compliance, identification, internalisation
• Normative Social Influence, desire to be liked, wants to appear normal. Superficial and temporary change in behaviour
• Informational Social Influence, desire to be correct, we look to the majority to see what’s right. Permanent

Question 2

What does compliance mean?

Answer 2

• Individual agrees externally but keeps personal opinions. A temporary behaviour change to fit in with the group

Question 3

What does internalisation mean?

Answer 3

Personal opinions genuinely change to match the group. A permanent change due to ISI.

Question 4

What does identification mean?

Answer 4

Behaviour and private vales change only with the group, as membership is valued

Question 5

Ash’s theory of variables affecting conformity.

Answer 5

• Groups of 8 to 10 male college students were asked to complete a line judgement task. However, this was a deception. 1 was a participant and everyone else was a confederate. All the confederates purposefully said wrong answers

Question 6

What was the results of Ash’s theory of variables affecting conformity?

Answer 6

• Overall conformity rates was 32%
• 75% conformed at least once
• 1 confederate conformity was 3%
• 3 confederates conformity was 33%
• One confederate was instructed to give the correct answer, conformity dropped to 5.5%