types of conformity and explanations for conformity Flashcards
(12 cards)
what is conformity? (2)
● a change in a persons behaviour or opinions
● as a result of a real or imagined pressure from a group of people
what are the types of conformity? (3)
● compliance
● identification
● internalisation
what is compliance? (4)
● involves ‘going along with others’ in public
● but privately not changing opinions / behaviour
● behaviour stops when you leave the group
● so, temporary (short term), shallowest form of conformity with the least impact
what is identification? (3)
● person conforms publicly as well as privately
● as they have identified with group and feel a sense of group membership
● change of belief or behaviour is often still temporary (short term)
what is internalisation? (3)
● person conforms publicly and privately
● as they have internalised and genuinely accepted views of the group norm
● deepest form of conformity and change is permanent (long term)
what are the explanations for conformity? (2)
● informational social influence (ISI)
● normative social influence (NSI)
what is informational social influence? (3)
● desire to be right / correct
● look to others for info on what is the correct course of action to copy
● as we believe they know more than us and must therefore be correct
when is informational social influence most likely to happen? (2)
● in new / ambiguous situations
● where it is not clear what is right or wrong
what does ISI often lead to?
internalisation
what is normative social influence? (3)
● desire to be liked
● change your behaviour / opinions to ‘fit in’ with a group
● as if you act like everyone else, you should be liked and therefore accepted
when is normative social influence most likely to happen?
situations where you might feel concerned about rejection or social approval
what does NSI often lead to?
compliance
