Psychology Chapter 8: Conformity and Social Influence -- Part 1

Conformity and Social Influence

• Conformity is a change in behavior in response to the real, imagined, or implied influence of other people.

Conformity Gone Wrong?

• Mass Psychogenic Illness: a phenomenon in which a group of people experience physical symptoms due to psychological or social factors.
• Conversion disorder: a condition in which psychological distress is converted into physical symptoms.
• The "voluntary" aspect of conformity refers to the willingness to change behavior without being forced to do so.
• Stress, mirror neurons, and the need to belong are factors that contribute to conformity.

The Informational Function of Social Influence

• People seek information from others as a heuristic strategy, especially in situations where information is limited or uncertain.
• Early primaries in political elections often dictate the national candidate.

Asch Line Judgment Studies

• In Asch's study, participants were asked to compare the length of lines.
• 75% of participants conformed to the incorrect answer at least once, and the average participant conformed on 33% of the trials.

Normative Function of Social Influence

• Social Impact Theory: the effect of social influence on an individual's behavior.
• Factors that influence conformity:
  • Strength: importance of the group.
  • Immediacy: physical proximity to the group.
  • Number: the role of majority size (three or larger has an equal effect).

Asch's Experimental Variations

• Non-unanimous majorities: the presence of a "true partner" reduces conformity (10.4%).
• Withdrawal of a "true partner" increases conformity dramatically.
• A unanimous majority of three is more effective than a 7–1 split majority.
• Difficulty and clarity of the task, status, and cultural differences also impact conformity.