types and explanations of conformity

Question 1

strength:there is research support for for ISI as an explanation of conformity

Answer 1

E:Jenness asked participants to give three estimates of the number of jellybeans in a jar first a private estimate, then a public estimate and finally a private estimate. Jeness found participants’ final private estimate tended to shift toward public estimate.
E:the participants displayed conformity because their answer moved towards the group estimate which suggests they changed their opinion once exposed to the wider population. the task was ambiguous meaning it is likely the participants were uncertain of the correct answer and therefore looked for guidance from the group.

Question 2

limitation:its social sensitivity

Answer 2

E:according to seizer and stanley, a research/theory is socially sensitive if it has the potential for harmful social consequences
E:The ideas of Kelman and Deutsch and Gerard have the potential for social consequences as they provide a toolkit for social influence . if used by someone with malicious intentions , they can spread social harm to stigmatise a vulnerable social groups in society.political leaders might draw on research findings into conformity to enable them to manipulate citizens. however just because research may be social sensitive does not mean it shouldn’t be conducted. it can bring benefits by encouraging socially beneficial behaviours .
L:so research into explanations and types of conformity needs to be approached carefully as it has potential for social harm.