The 2 Explanations for Conformity

Question 1

What is Informational Social Influence?

Answer 1

When an individual accepts and adopts the actions and beliefs of the majority due to being uncertain, but wanting to be right.

Question 2

What is Normative Social Influence?

Answer 2

When an individual accepts and adopts the actions and beliefs of the majority in order to fit in, regardless of whether they genuinely believe in them or not.

Question 3

What kind of process is Informational Social Influence, and as a result what kind of change in behaviour may it lead to?

Answer 3

It is a cognitive process, and so typically leads to a permanent change

Question 4

What kind of process is Normative Social Influence, and as a result what kind of change in behaviour may it lead to?

Answer 4

It is an emotional process, and so typically leads to a temporary change

Question 5

Which 2 studies support Informational Social Influence as an explanation of conformity?

Answer 5

• Asch’s Task Difficulty Variation
• Lucas’ Easy VS Hard Maths Problems

Question 6

What study supports Normative Social Influence as an explanation for conformity?

Answer 6

Nolan’s Energy Use Campaign Study

Question 7

It is possible to objectively prove whether Informative Social Influence or Normative Social Influence is actually at play?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

In what instances does Informational Social Influence not explain conformity?

Answer 8

In those that are highly educated, such as professors and scholars

Question 9

What study contradicts Normative Social Influence as an explanation for conformity?

Answer 9

Foxcroft’s Alcohol Consumption Study, which found little reduction in the alcohol consumption of students despite them being deceptively told that they consumed more alcohol on average than their peers