Types and explanations of conformity Flashcards
what is internalisation
the deepest level of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct
leads to a far-reaching and permanent change in behaviour, even when the group is absent
what is identification
a moderate level of conformity where we act in the same way as the group because we value it and want to be part of it, but privately we don’t agree with everything the group stands for
what is compliance
a superficial temporary type of conformity where we publicly agree with the majority view, but privately disagree
only lasts as long as the group is present
which psychologists developed a two-process theory for conformity
deutsch and gerald (1955)
based on two central human needs: need to be right and need to be liked
what is informational social influence
an explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct and we want to be correct as well
may lead to internalisation
what is normative social influence
an explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to gain social approval and be liked
may lead to compliance
what is the research support for NSI (strength)
asch (1951) interviewed his participants, some said they conformed because they felt self-conscious giving the correct answer and were afraid of disapproval
conformity fell to 12.5% when participant wrote their answers down privately
shows that some conformity is due to a desire of being approved by the group
what is the research support for ISI (strength)
lucas et al (2006) found participants conformed more often to incorrect answers because the maths questions were difficult
the questions became ambiguous so participants relied on the answers from the confederates
shows that ISI is a valid explanation of conformity
what is a counterpoint for ISI (limitation)
it is unclear whether NSI or ISI are at work in research studies
for example, asch found that conformity is reduced when there is one other dissenting participant, who may reduce the power of NSI (social support) or ISI (alternate source of information)
therefore it is hard to separate ISI and NSI, and they usually operate together in most real-world situations
why does NSI not predict conformity in every case (limitation)
some people are greatly concerned with being liked by others, labelled ‘nAffiliators’, people with a strong need for affiliation
these people are more likely to conform (mcghee and teevan)
shows that NSI underlies conformity for some people more than others
individual differences undervalued
