types of conformity AO1

Question 1

Compliance

Answer 1

This is the least permanent change in attitude. Individuals publicly change
their beliefs and behaviours to go along with a group and to fit in,
but in private, revert back to
original belief systems and behaviours, when the group pressure stops.
They may not agree with
what the group is doing.
Compliance is linked to Normative Social Influence.

Question 2

Definition of Conformity

Answer 2

‘Changes in individuals’ behaviours and/or
beliefs because of real or imagined group pressure

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

This is a stronger type of conformity, involving possible private as well as public conformity.
occurs when individuals look to a group for guidance and adjust their behaviour and belief
systems to those of a group because membership of the group is desirable and they take on a
role within the group.
When the group is no longer seen as valuable, behaviour may revert back
to their original beliefs and/or behaviours.

Question 4

Internalisation

Answer 4

This is the deepest and most permanent change in attitude. Individuals publicly and privately
change their behaviours and belief systems to be in line with a group norm, because we accept
their attitudes into our own cognitions (internalise them), the behaviour lasts when the majority
are no longer present. Internalisation is linked to Informational Social Influence.