Types of conformity Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is conformity?
A type of social influence where a person yields to group pressure; a change in behaviour or opinion due to real or imagined pressure.
What is real vs imagined pressure in conformity?
Real pressure = consequences for not conforming. Imagined pressure = no real consequences, but still conform.
Who proposed the three types of conformity?
Kelman.
What is internalisation?
Deep, permanent change in beliefs/behaviour, making the group’s values your own (linked to informational social influence).
Example of internalisation?
Growing up in a religious household and personally becoming religious.
What is identification?
Temporary change in behaviour and beliefs only when with the group.
Example of identification?
Acting more professional at work but not behaving that way outside the workplace.
What is compliance?
Outwardly going along with the group but privately disagreeing (weakest form of conformity).
Example of compliance?
Drinking alcohol with friends even though you don’t really want to.
What is Informational Social Influence (ISI)?
Conforming because you want to be right; looking to others for correct information in uncertain situations.
Example of ISI?
Following the crowd during an emergency when unsure where to go.
Study evidence for ISI?
Fein et al. — Participants changed their US presidential vote after seeing others’ choices, to be ‘correct.’
What is Normative Social Influence (NSI)?
Conforming to be liked or accepted by a group.
Example of NSI?
Starting smoking because your friends smoke.
Study evidence for NSI and bullying?
Garandeau and Cillessen — Boys bullied others to gain approval from friends, showing NSI in action.
Study evidence supporting ISI?
Lucas et al. — People conformed more to incorrect maths answers when questions were harder and they doubted their ability.
What does the ‘Two Process Model’ suggest?
NSI and ISI can work together rather than separately; e.g., a dissenting confederate reduces both NSI and ISI pressures.
Why is it important to view NSI and ISI as complementary?
Because real-world conformity often involves both wanting to be right (ISI) and wanting to be liked (NSI) at the same time.
