Types of conformity

Question 1

What is conformity?

Answer 1

Yielding to group pressure (also known as majority influence)

Question 2

Define compliance and when does it occur?

Answer 2

Publically, not privately going along with the majority influence to gain approval. Occurs during a desire to fit in and is a weak and fairly temporary form of compliance

Question 3

What is an example of compliance?

Answer 3

You may claim to support a certain football team because many others your age do and you want to be accepted/not ridiculed by them whereas privately you have no real interest in football

Question 4

Define identification and when does it occur?

Answer 4

Public and private acceptance of majority influence in order to gain group acceptance - occurs when membership to the group is desirable and is generally temporary (not maintained once left the group)

Question 5

What is an example of identification?

Answer 5

In the army you adopt the behaviour and beliefs of fellow soldiers but on leaving the army for civilian life, new behaviours and opinions will be adopted

Question 6

Define internalisation?

Answer 6

Public and private acceptance of the majority influence through the adoption of the majority group’s belief systems. Known as true compliance and is long lasting and strong

Question 7

What is an example of internalisation?

Answer 7

You are interested in Buddhism . You research it and convert to Buddhism . The beliefs and practices affect your thoughts and behaviour for the duration of your life