Conformity Types & Explanations PDF

**Key Concepts of Types of Conformity** **Internalisation** - Internalisation is a deep form of conformity where individuals accept the majority view as correct, leading to a permanent change in our public and private behaviour/opinions. - This change persists even in the absence of t...

**Key Concepts of Types of Conformity** **Internalisation** - Internalisation is a deep form of conformity where individuals accept the majority view as correct, leading to a permanent change in our public and private behaviour/opinions. - This change persists even in the absence of the group, indicating that the individual\'s beliefs have genuinely shifted. - Example: A person who adopts a vegan lifestyle after being influenced by a group of friends who value animal rights, even when they are not around. - Historical context: Internalisation is often discussed in the context of social movements where individuals adopt new ideologies, such as civil rights or environmentalism. **Identification** - Identification is a moderate type of conformity where individuals change their behaviour to fit in with a valued group, even if they do not fully agree with all of the groups' beliefs. - This type of conformity is often temporary and may revert when the individual is no longer part of the group. - Example: A student may adopt the fashion style of a popular group to gain acceptance, despite not liking the style personally. - Identification can lead to a sense of belonging, which is a powerful motivator in social behaviour. **Compliance** - Compliance is a superficial form of conformity where individuals outwardly agree with the group while privately disagreeing. - This change in behaviour is temporary and ceases when group pressure is removed. - Example: A person may agree with a group decision in a meeting but later express their true opinion to a friend. - Compliance often occurs in situations where individuals feel they must conform to avoid conflict or disapproval. **Explanations for Conformity** **Informational Social Influence (ISI)** - ISI occurs when individuals conform because they believe the majority is correct, especially in ambiguous situations. - This cognitive process leads to internalisation, as individuals adopt the group\'s beliefs as their own. - Example: In a classroom setting, if most students answer a question incorrectly, a student may conform to that answer due to uncertainty. - ISI is more likely in new or crisis situations where individuals lack knowledge or confidence. **Normative Social Influence (NSI)** - NSI is driven by the desire to be liked and accepted by others, leading to compliance rather than internalisation. - This emotional process results in temporary changes in behaviour, as individuals conform to group norms to avoid rejection. - Example: A teenager may smoke to fit in with peers, even if they do not personally enjoy it. - NSI is particularly pronounced in unfamiliar social situations or among friends where social approval is valued. **Evaluation** **Evidence for NSI** - Asch\'s (1951) study demonstrated that participants conformed to avoid disapproval, with conformity dropping when answers were given privately. - This supports the idea that NSI plays a significant role in conformity, as individuals are less likely to conform when they do not fear social rejection. - The findings highlight the importance of social dynamics in influencing behaviour. **Evidence for ISI** - Lucas et al. (2006) found that participants conformed more to incorrect answers on difficult math problems, supporting ISI as a valid explanation. - The ambiguity of the situation led participants to rely on the majority\'s answers, demonstrating the cognitive aspect of ISI. - This research underscores the role of confidence and knowledge in conformity behaviour. **Counterpoints and Limitations** - It is often difficult to distinguish between NSI and ISI in research, as both may operate simultaneously in real-life situations. - Asch (1955) found that the presence of a dissenting participant reduced conformity, but it is unclear whether this is due to NSI or ISI. - Individual differences, such as the need for affiliation (nAffiliators), suggest that conformity cannot be fully explained by situational pressures alone.