Types and explanations for conformity

Question 1

Strength 1 Normative

Answer 1

P- research to support idea that people conform to be liked/accepted
E- Asch–> ps confirmed to an obviously wrong answer in line matching task to fit in/avoid disapproval
E- supports the idea that people conform to gain approval from a group and NSI is powerful motivation for behaviour
L- there is research support that helps explain conformity in an unambiguous situation

Question 2

Strength 2 Informational

Answer 2

P- research support for informational conformity in ambiguous situations
E- Lucas et all (2006) found that ps were more likely to conform when attempting difficult maths questions especially when they viewed their own ability as weak
E- supports the idea that people tend to rely on group wisdom when making decisions especially in ambiguous situations
L- supports the existence of ISI

Question 3

Weakness 1 Normative

Answer 3

P- explanation doesn’t account for individual differences. Not everyone feels the need to be liked
E- McGee and Teevan found that students with high need for affiliation were more likely to conform
E- evidence support that NSI doesn’t affect everyone equally. Some individuals are more susceptible to social pressure than others
L- incomplete explanation for conformity

Question 4

Weakness 2 Normative and Informational

Answer 4

P- NSI and ISI may not be 2 distinct separate processes
E- Asch’s study it was unclear whether ps conformed to be liked or because they genuinely believed that the group was correct as both explanations could apply
E- suggests conformity may be a result of both ISI and NSI as opposed to one or the other
L- therefore it could be argued that weakness is that categories are oversimplified