Types Of Conformity (social influence)

Question 1

Definition of conformity

Answer 1

Yielding to group pressure

Question 2

Give an example of conformity

Answer 2

A teenager taking up smoking, as all of their friends smoke. They would not be explicitly told to by their peers, but would feel pressured to do so.

Question 3

What is the key aspect of conformity?

Answer 3

The ‘group’ - doing what the majority are doing, even if you don’t want to. This is why it’s known as ‘majority influence’.

Question 4

What are the 3 types of conformity?

Answer 4

Compliance, Internalisation & Identification

Question 5

Compliance

Answer 5

The shallowest level of conformity. Involves publicly changing our behaviour in front of the majority but privately maintaining our own views.

Question 6

Give an example of compliance

Answer 6

Pretending to support a different football team to fit in with new friends.

Question 7

Internalisation

Answer 7

The deepest kind of conformity. Involves going along with what the group are doing, but being happy to do so. Private attitudes match public behaviour.

Question 8

Give an example of internalisation

Answer 8

Conforming to the behaviours shown by a religious group as you had been converted to their beliefs.

Question 9

Identification

Answer 9

When we conform to a social role we have taken on. We conform to this role as we identify with it, so we’re happy to display the behaviours associated with it. When we step away from the role we stop showing these behaviours.

Question 10

Give an example of identification.

Answer 10

Prison guard - when at work a prison guard is required to be authoritative, demanding and firm, such traits are not necessarily shown in their home life.