Explanations for Conformity

• Explanations for conformity 


  Unlike types of conformity that aim to describe

  how an individual conforms, explanations for

  conformity aim to describe why people

  conform. There are two explanations for

  conformity: normative social influence (NSI) and

  informational social influence (ISI).
• What does normative social influence (NSI) propose?

  Individuals conform to the majority to be liked and accepted by the group.
• Why do individuals conform according to NSI?

  To avoid rejection and discomfort from not fitting in or being ridiculed.
• In what situations is normative social influence most likely to occur?

  In situations where there is a chance of rejection from the group.
• What is the typical outcome of normative social influence?

  It typically results in compliance, where individuals publicly change their behavior.
• How does normative social influence affect an individual's private views?

  Individuals may publicly change their behavior while maintaining a different private view.
• What is the duration of the effect of normative social influence?

  NSI tends to have a temporary effect.
• Give an example of normative social influence in action.

  An individual continues to drink despite feeling sick to avoid being judged by friends.
• What are the key characteristics of normative social influence (NSI)?

  • Conformity to be liked and accepted
  • Occurs in situations with potential rejection
  • Results in public compliance, not private acceptance
  • Typically has a temporary effect
• What does informational social influence (ISI) propose?

  Individuals conform to the majority because they lack knowledge of how to behave.
• Why do individuals look to the majority for guidance in ISI?

  Because they want to be right in ambiguous situations.
• In what type of situations is ISI typically observed?

  In situations where the correct answer or right thing to do is ambiguous.
• What is the consequence of conforming to avoid embarrassment in ISI?

  The individual conforms to avoid the embarrassment of being wrong.
• What is the typical result of ISI on an individual's behavior and beliefs?

  It typically results in internalisation, where the individual changes both publicly and privately.
• How does ISI tend to affect the permanence of behavior change?

  ISI tends to have a permanent effect on behavior and beliefs.
• Can you provide an example of informational social influence (ISI)?

  • A student accepts an answer they initially thought was wrong.
  • The class agrees on the answer, leading the student to believe it is more likely to be right.
• What are the two types of social influence discussed as explanations for conformity?

  Normative social influence and informational social influence
• What does normative social influence propose?

  Individuals conform to be liked and accepted by the group
• In what situations is normative social influence typically observed?

  In situations where there is a chance of rejection from the group
• What is the typical outcome of normative social influence?

  It leads to the temporary effect of compliance
• What does informational social influence propose?

  Individuals conform because they lack knowledge and look to the majority for guidance
• In what situations is informational social influence typically observed?

  In situations where the correct answer or right thing to do is ambiguous
• What is the typical outcome of informational social influence?

  It leads to the permanent effect of internalization
• How does Asch's conformity study support normative social influence?

  Participants conformed to avoid ridicule or exclusion by the group
• How does Asch's conformity study support informational social influence?

  Some participants conformed because they believed the confederates were correct
• What is a limitation of normative and informational social influence as explanations for conformity?

  They fail to account for individual differences
• What percentage of participants in Asch's research never conformed?

  26%
• How do individual differences affect conformity according to the study?

  Some people may be less concerned about fitting in or being right
• What are nAffiliators?

  People who have a high need for affiliation and are more concerned about being liked
• How does the need for affiliation relate to normative social influence?

  nAffiliators are more affected by normative social influence
• What other factors may influence conformity according to the study?

  Age, gender, and level of education
• What is a limitation regarding the separation of NSI and ISI as explanations for conformity?

  They may work together rather than being separate influences
• How can NSI and ISI be utilized for practical benefit in society?

  They can encourage positive behaviors through normative messages
• What was the result of the hotel study regarding towel reuse?

  Guests who received normative messages reduced their need for fresh towels by 25%
• What are the key differences between normative social influence (NSI) and informational social influence (ISI)?

  • NSI: Conformity to be liked and accepted; leads to compliance.
  • ISI: Conformity to be correct; leads to internalization.
• What are the strengths and limitations of NSI and ISI as explanations for conformity?

  Strengths:

  • Supported by research evidence (e.g., Asch's study).
  • Can be utilized for practical benefits in society.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Fail to account for individual differences.
  • May be falsely separated as influences.