Types of Conformity

Question 1

Define conformity.

Answer 1

A change in a person’s behaviour or opinions as a result of real or imagined pressure from a group.

Question 2

Define compliance

Answer 2

Outwardly going along with the group but privately disagreeing. The change in behaviour only lasts as long as the group are present.

Question 3

Define identification

Answer 3

Outwardly and inwardly agreeing with a group as we accept it as correct. However, we return to our old opinions after leaving the group.

Question 4

Define internalization.

Answer 4

Permanently taking on the views of the group. We keep these views even after having left the group.

Question 5

Points of NSI

Answer 5

Motivated by the desire to be liked.
Leads to compliance
Is an emotional process

Question 6

Points of ISI

Answer 6

Motivated by the desire to be right
Leads to internalization
Is a cognitive process

Question 7

Explain nAffiliators in relation to NSI

Answer 7

NSI effect people differently and some are less concerned with being liked than others. nAffiliators are people who have a greater need to form relationships.
—–McGhee and Teeven found students high in need of affiliation were more likely to conform.
THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN THE WAY PEOPLE RESPOND

Question 8

What was Lucas et al study (2006) and how did ir support ISI

Answer 8

asked students maths questions. There was greater conformity to incorrect answers if questions were difficult. Particularly if students were bad at maths.
This shows people conform in situations where they don’t know the answer and so they look to other people. This is the outcome predicted by ISI.

Question 9

Explain the idea of NSI and ISI working together

Answer 9

• the 2 process approach states that behaviour is due to either ISI or NSI.
  _ Asch found that conformity dropped with one dissenter - which may reduce the power of NSI - provides social support - and ISI - alternative source of information
  SHOWS IT ISN’T ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO BE SURE WHETHER NSI OR ISI ARE OPERATING

Question 10

Explain research support for NSI in terms of speaking aloud.

Answer 10

In a variation of Asch’s study, when the person was asked to write their answers, conformity fell to 12.5%, which shows the power of NSI.

Question 11

Explain individual differences in NSI,

Answer 11

• Asch found some participants were less conformist than others.
• Perrin and Spencer (engineers thing) had completely different conformity rates.
  SHOWS ISI AFFECTS PEOPLE DIFFERENTLY