Types of conformity

Question 1

What is internalisation ?

Answer 1

A deep type of conformity is when a person genuinely accepts the group norms resulting in a public and private change in behaviour. (Even when the group is absent)

Question 2

Identification

Answer 2

A moderate type of conformity where we conform because we value the group and want to be a part of it but don’t necessarily agree with the norms.

Question 3

Compliance

Answer 3

A shallow and superficial type of conformity that involves going along with the majority view but we don’t agree in private.

Question 4

Who developed the two-process theory + year?

Answer 4

Morton Deutsch & Harold Gerald (1955)

Question 5

What is the explanation of conformity that states that we conform from a need to be liked by the group and gain social approval?

Answer 5

Normative social influence

Question 6

What is the explanation of conformity that states that we conform from a need to be right and we believe it to be correct?

Answer 6

Informational social influence

Question 7

What are the limitations of the theory?

Answer 7

1. individual diffrences
   NSI does not affect everyone’s behaviour. People who have a greater need for affirmation may conform more.
   = differences in the way people respond
2. ISI & NSI work together
   More often both processes are responsible.
   e.g conformity is reduced when there is a dissenting participant.
   Meaning that we cannot tell whether ISI or NSI is at work. making it less reliable

Question 8

What are the strengths of this theory

Answer 8

1. Research support 4 ISI
   Lucas et al (2006) - Gave students maths questions, the harder the question the higher the level of conformity. Showing that people conform in situations where we don’t know the answer and assume others to be correct.
2. Research support for NSI
   Asch (1951) - People said the wrong answer because they were the majority. When written answers conformity fell 12.5%