Types of Conformity

Question 1

What is conformity?

Answer 1

Changing behaviour or beliefs due to group pressure.

Question 2

What are the three types of conformity?

Answer 2

Compliance, Identification, Internalisation.

Question 3

What is compliance?

Answer 3

Change in public behaviour to fit in. Private beliefs stay the same. Temporary – only while with the group.

Example: Teen smokes with friends to fit in but doesn’t smoke alone.

Question 4

What is identification?

Answer 4

Change in public and private beliefs. Happens when identifying with a group. Temporary – only lasts while identifying with the group.

Example: Adopting police behaviours while working as an officer.

Question 5

What is internalisation?

Answer 5

Deep, permanent change in beliefs and behaviour. Occurs when believing the group is right. Public and private change.

Example: Becoming vegetarian after agreeing with flatmates’ views.