Explanations for Conformity Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the two explanations for conformity?
Normative Social Influence (NSI) and Informational Social Influence (ISI).
What is Normative Social Influence (NSI)?
NSI occurs when an individual conforms to be accepted or liked by a group. The motivation is to avoid social rejection, exclusion, or ridicule. It often results in compliance – a temporary, superficial change in behaviour.
What is the outcome of Normative Social Influence (NSI)?
The individual outwardly agrees with the group but privately maintains their own view.
What is Informational Social Influence (ISI)?
ISI happens when an individual conforms because they believe others have more accurate information. The motivation is to be correct, particularly in situations of ambiguity or uncertainty.
What is the outcome of Informational Social Influence (ISI)?
It typically leads to internalisation – a genuine, long-term change in both public behaviour and private beliefs.
What research supports NSI and ISI?
Asch’s interviews and variations provide support. Participants conformed to avoid standing out (NSI) or believed the group was correct (ISI).
How does group size affect conformity according to NSI?
Conformity increased with more confederates (up to 3), supporting NSI as larger groups increase pressure to fit in.
How does task difficulty affect conformity according to ISI?
When line differences were made smaller, conformity increased, supporting ISI as people sought guidance in uncertain situations.
What is a limitation of NSI and ISI regarding individual differences?
Not everyone conformed in Asch’s experiments despite identical social pressures. Older individuals may be less affected by NSI, and highly educated individuals may resist ISI.
What is a limitation regarding the separation of NSI and ISI?
It can be difficult to distinguish whether someone conforms to be liked or to be right. Both NSI and ISI may operate simultaneously.
What is the Strength of NSI and ISI?
- Research support from Asch’s interviews:
- After his line judgement experiment, participants gave different reasons for conforming.
- Some said they conformed to avoid standing out (NSI).
- Others said they thought the group was genuinely correct (ISI).
- This supports the idea that both NSI and ISI are valid explanations for conformity, enhancing their credibility.
What is another Strength of NSI and ISI?
- Further support from Asch’s variations:
- Group size: Conformity increased with more confederates (up to 3), supporting NSI – larger groups increase pressure to fit in.
- Task difficulty: When line differences were made smaller, conformity increased – supports ISI, as people sought guidance in uncertain situations.
- These findings show that different situational variables can be explained by different types of social influence.
