Explanations of why people conform Flashcards
(7 cards)
Why do people conform?
-2 types of social influence that lead people to conform:
-Normative Social Influence
-Informational Social Influence
What is Normative Social Influence?
Based on our desire to be liked - hope others will approve and accept us. The individual must believe they are under surveillance by the group. They may not necessarily internalise this view - usually linked to compliance.
How does Normative Social Influence link to Asch’s study?
Many of the participants stated they knew the confederates’ answers were wrong post-experiment - must note that confederates were also students so part of genuine ‘in-group’.
What is Informational Social Influence?
Based on our desire to be right - look to others we believe to be correct to show us how to behave, particularly in ambiguous situations. May be stronger when in a group where we perceive majority as experts. Usually linked to identification and internalisation.
How does Informational Social Influence link to Asch’s study?
Many of participants admitted they conformed because they didn’t feel like all the others could be wrong - must not confederates were also college students, individual may have doubted because the were intelligent.
What is a strength for the Explanations for Conformity?
Research support for Informational Social Influence:
-Lucas asked students for answers to math problems that were easy or more difficult - greater conformity when more difficult, most true for those who rated maths ability as poor.
-Another variation of Asch with musical notes, students asked to judge which comparison note was the same as a standard note, one confederate. When introduced as expert - high levels of conformity.
Shows that people conform when they don’t know the answer - we look to others.
What are 2 limitations of the Explanations for Conformity?
Individual differences in Normative Social Influence:
-People less concerned with being liked are less affected by normative,
-People who care more - Affilators - greater need for a affiliation.
-Study found these more likely to conform.
Shows that the desire to be liked underlies conformity for some more than others, therefore individual differences for way they respond.
Normative and Informational often overlap:
-Conformity is reduced when there is one other dissenting participant in Asch study who challenges majority and gives correct answer.
-The dissenter may reduce the power of majority due to Normative because they provide social support, or Informational because there is an alternative source of info.
Shows it isn’t always possible to be sure which type is at work. Casts serious doubt over view of these 2 types as 2 processes operating independently.
