Explanations For Comformity ISI AO3

Question 1

Strength of ISI (Supporting Evidence - Jenness)

Answer 1

Jenness (1932) provides strong support for ISI. When participants were asked to estimate the number of beans in a jar, estimates converged after group discussion, showing they used others’ judgments as a source of information.

Question 2

Strength of ISI (Research Support - Lucas et al.)

Answer 2

Lucas et al. (2006) found that students were more likely to conform to incorrect answers on difficult maths problems, supporting ISI because they believed others were more knowledgeable.

Question 3

Weakness of ISI (Individual Differences)

Answer 3

Not everyone is equally affected by ISI. People with higher confidence in their own knowledge or expertise are less likely to conform, limiting the generalisability of ISI.

Question 4

Weakness of ISI (Overlaps with NSI)

Answer 4

ISI is difficult to separate from Normative Social Influence (NSI) in many situations. People may conform both to be correct (ISI) and to fit in (NSI), making it hard to measure their independent effects.