Why We Conform Flashcards
What is conformity?
Conformity is the tendency to align our opinions and behavior with those of the majority due to social influence.
Give an example of how conformity can spread quickly in a group setting.
A man running to meet his wife can start a chain reaction where others on the street begin to run too, without knowing why, just to conform to the group’s behavior.
What are the two major causes of conformity?
Group pressure and the need to be correct.
Why does group pressure cause us to conform?
As social animals, we fear being rejected or excluded by our group, so we align ourselves with the group’s opinions and objectives.
Describe the line experiment that illustrates the power of group pressure.
Participants were asked to match the length of lines, with actors giving wrong answers. About three-quarters of the real participants conformed to the group’s incorrect answer at least once, showing the strong influence of group pressure.
How does the need to live in certainty lead to conformity?
In uncertain situations, we rely on others’ behaviors and opinions to avoid mistakes and understand what is happening, leading us to conform to the majority.
How did Aronson’s restroom experience illustrate conformity due to uncertainty?
In an unfamiliar building without clear restroom signs, Aronson followed a man who exited a door, assuming it was the men’s room, showing how uncertainty can lead to conformity.
What are some benefits of conformity?
Conformity can help us judge situations more accurately and respond more swiftly by relying on the group as a guide in uncertain circumstances.
What are some drawbacks of conformity?
Conformity can lead to extremely wrong decisions or even tragedies, such as those seen in Hitler’s inner circle.
Which groups are we particularly willing to follow?
We tend to follow groups of experts, people with high social status, and those similar to us due to their perceived authority, prestige, and familiarity.
How does the influence of experts affect conformity?
Experts are seen as authoritative, and their opinions can easily change our minds, leading us to conform to their views.
Why do people with high social status influence our conformity?
We hold people with high social status in high regard and may conform to their views to blend in and be part of their group.
Why are we more likely to conform to people similar to us?
Familiarity and empathy trigger conformity, making us more likely to align with the views and behaviors of those who are similar to us, such as friends or colleagues.
What have we learned about conformity in this bookey section?
Conformity is mainly caused by group pressure and the need to be correct. It can lead to both positive outcomes, like better decision-making in uncertain situations, and negative consequences, such as poor decisions or historical tragedies.
