Conformity: Types and Explanations

Question 1

Conformity

Answer 1

A change in a persons opinion or behaviour based on a real or imagined pressure from a person or group.

Question 2

Internalisation

Answer 2

A strong type of conformity were you agree with the majority because you believe it to be correct, even when group is not present.

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

A moderate type of conformity were you agree with the majority because you value the group and want to be part of it, although you may not necessarily agree.

Question 4

Compliance

Answer 4

A temporary type of conformity were you agree with the majority view but do not agree and behaviour is only changed when in the presence of the group.

Question 5

Informational social influence

Answer 5

An explanation for conformity that says you agree with the majority because you believe them to be right and need to be right also. This can lead to internalisation.

Question 6

Normative social influence

Answer 6

An explanation for conformity that says you agree with the majority because you want to be accepted and be liked. This can lead to compliance.

Question 7

Research support for ISI

Answer 7

Lucas et al (2006) asked students to give answers to maths problems which showed that the harder the questions, the higher level of conformity. People conform when they do not know the answer.

Question 8

Research support for NSI

Answer 8

Asch (1951) found other people went along with the wrong answer just because others did. Participants said they conformed because they were afraid of social disapproval. Conformity dropped when answers were written on paper.

Question 9

Individual differences in ISI

Answer 9

Some people do not care about being liked so will give the answer they think is right. People who do care that are called nAffiliators are more likely to conform.

Question 10

Individual differences in NSI

Answer 10

Students are less conformist than other participants. Perrin and Spencer (1980) found science and engineering students showed very little conformity.

Question 11

ISI and NSI working together

Answer 11

Deutsch and Gerrard said with the two-process that conformity is due to either NSI or ISI. However both can factor into why somebody conforms. This means it is often unclear which or how much of each is at work.