Types n explanations of conformity

Question 1

What is conformity

Answer 1

a type of social influence

a change in a person’s behaviour or opinion as a result of a real or imagined pressure

Question 2

Name the 3 types of conformity proposed by Kelaman

Answer 2

internalisation
identification
compliance

Question 3

define internalisation

Answer 3

change behaviour to fit in, don’t agree in private but go along in public & last as long as group is present

An individual’s change of view is permanent

Question 4

define identification

Answer 4

Temporary change of behaviour and beliefs only in the presence of a group

Question 5

define compliance

Answer 5

change in public and private views, most permanent form as it can continue without presence of group
- shallowest type of conformity

Question 6

information social influence
(definition, example and evidence)

Answer 6

✔ Definition: Conforming because we want to be correct, often in ambiguous situations where we lack knowledge.

✔ Example: Following a crowd during an emergency, assuming they know the right way.

✔ Evidence: Fein et al. found participants changed their vote for a US presidential candidate after seeing others’ votes because they wanted to be seen as “correct”.

Question 7

Normative social influence
(definition, example and evidence)

Answer 7

✔ Definition: Conforming to be liked or accepted by a group, even if we privately disagree.

✔ Example: A person starts smoking because their friends do.

✔ Evidence: Garandeau & Cillissen found that a child may bully another to avoid disapproval from their friends.

Question 8

A03 - Support for Normative Social Influence
(strength)

Answer 8

✔ Point: Research supports the role of NSI in real-world situations.

✔ Evidence: Garandeau & Cillissen found that a child can be pressured into bullying another to gain social approval.

✔ Explain: This highlights how NSI operates in everyday life, showing its practical relevance.

✔ Link: Understanding NSI can help in tackling social issues like peer pressure and bullying.

Question 9

A03 - Support for information social change
(strength)

Answer 9

✔ Point: There is evidence for the role of ISI in ambiguous situations.

✔ Evidence: Lucas et al. found that participants conformed more to an incorrect maths answer when the question was difficult and they doubted their ability.

✔ Explain: This supports the idea that ISI occurs when people lack confidence and rely on others.

✔ Link: ISI helps explain why people conform in unfamiliar or uncertain situations.

Question 10

A03 - NSI and ISI Are Not Always Separate
(weakness)

Answer 10

✔ Point: NSI and ISI may not be mutually exclusive as originally thought.

✔ Evidence: Deutsch & Gerrard’s Two-Process Model suggests that both ISI and NSI can operate together, for example, a dissenting confederate can reduce both ISI and NSI

✔ Explain: This suggests conformity is more complex than a simple division between ISI and NSI.

✔ Link: A more interactive approach is needed to fully explain why people conform in different situations.