Social Influence: Conformity Flashcards
what’s internalisation?
it occurs when a person genuinely accepts the group norms. this results in a private and public change of behaviour, it’s also a permenant change as attitudes have internalised. it’s persistent in the absence of other group members.
what’s identification?
we conform to the opinions of the group as there is something about the group that we value. we identify with the group so want to be a part of it. it means we publically change our opinion even if we don’t privately agree with everything.
what’s compliance?
it’s going along with others in public but privately not changing personal opinions and behaviours. it’s a superficial change, meaning a particular behaviour stops as soon as group pressure stops.
what’s informational social influence?
it’s about who has the better information. if we’re uncertain if our beliefs are right or wrong, you’re more likley to accept the majority’s answer. it happens because people want to be right. it happens in new and ambigious situations when there isn’t a clear right answer. it leads to internalisation and a permanent change of view.
what’s normative social influence?
it’s about what is normal for a social group. people don’t like to be embarassed and prefer to gain social approval. it occurs in situations with strangers as there’s a fear of rejection and occurs with friends to gain social approval.
what’s research support for ISI? (A03)
Lucas asked students to answer maths problems that were easy or more difficult. there was greater conformity to incorrect answers the harder the question was. this was true for students who said they had poor maths skills. the study shows people conform when they feel they don’t know the answer. we look to other people who we assume to know better.
what’s individual difference for NSI? (A03)
research shows NSI affects people’s behaviour differently. people who are less concerned with being liked were less affected by NSI. people who have a greater need for affiliation (need to be in a relationship) were more likely to conform (McGhee and Teevan). this shows the desire to be liked underlies conformity for some people more than others.
how do ISI and NSI work together? (A03)
the two-process approach says behaviour is due to ISI or NSI. however often both processes are used. in Asch’s study, a dissenter reduces NSI (they provide social support) and ISI (alternative source of information). this shows it’s not always possible to know whether NSI or ISI is at work. this casts doubt over views on ISI and NSI.
