Conformity

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What are the three types of conformity?

Answer 2

Internalisation, identification, compliance

Question 3

Internalisation

Answer 3

When an individual permanently changes their public and private views or behaviour to match those of a group they wish to be a part of. The change will continue outside of the group situation.

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

When an individual changes their public views to match those of a group that they wish to be a part of as they value it. There may be a difference between the individual’s views and the group’s. This change will likely last as long as the individual is in the group.

Question 5

Compliance

Answer 5

When an individual changes their public, but not their private, behaviour or views to match those of a group. This is a short-term change and will only last as long as the individual is in that situation.

Question 6

Informational Social Influence (ISI)

Answer 6

The need to be right. An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. We accept it because we want to be correct as well. This may lead to internalisation. More likely to occur in an unsure or ambiguous situations.

Question 7

Normative Social Influence (NSI)

Answer 7

The need to be liked. An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted, gain social approval and be liked. This may lead to compliance. More noticeable in stressful situations.

Question 8

Research to support ISI

Answer 8

Lucas et al (2006)- solve ‘easy’ and ‘hard’ maths problems, given 3 answers and conformity increased when problems were harder (more ambiguous).

Question 9

Research to support NSI

Answer 9

Asch’s experiment- participants said they conformed because they were self-conscious about disagreeing with the group. When answers were written, conformity fell to 12.5% (shows some conformity comes from the need to be right)

Question 10

Counterpoint to NSI

Answer 10

Some people have more of a need to be liked than others (called nAffiliators- have a strong need to be liked). Shows that NSI can not account for all situations of conformity.

Question 11

Counterpoint to NSI and ISI as explanations to conformity

Answer 11

Can be unclear as to whether NSI or ISI is at play, because they operate together and simultaneously.

Question 12

Baseline procedure for conformity

Answer 12

Asch

Question 13

Ethical Guidelines

Answer 13

• Participant’s right to withdraw from the research.
• The need for full consent from the participants.
• The use of deception.
• The importance of protecting the participants from the risk of psychological and physical harm.

Question 14

Baseline study meaning

Answer 14

A study that other studies are then compared to.