Explanations of Independent Behaviour - Conformity Flashcards
Name 3 reasons (not including locus of control) why people may be able to resist pressures to conform.
- Presence of Allies
- Desire for Individuation
- Commitment
Why does presence of allies effect conformity?
Support from someone else makes it easier to resist social pressure, as they feel more confident in their own decision so are more able to reject the position of the majority.
How does desire for individuation effect conformity?
The desire to maintain individuality can outweigh pressures to conform, especially in western cultures, where many people feel uncomfortable to be like everyone else.
How can commitment effect conformity?
Once people have publicly committed themselves to an opinion they are less likely to change their position than if their first opinion had been voiced privately.
What research supports the role of presence of allies in resisting pressures to conform?
Asch’s conformity study found that conformity dropped dramatically from 37% to 5% when one confederate gave the correct answer on all trials.
What research supports the role of desire for individuation in resisting pressures to conform?
Smith and Bond analysed numerous Asch-like studies from several countries and found that participants from individualistic countries such as Europe were more likely to resist social pressures than those from collectivist cultures such as Asia.
What research supports the idea of commitment affecting resistance to conform?
A variation of Asch’s study where the genuine participant had to give their answer before the others showed the power of prior commitment, as the participants didn’t ask to change their answers.
