Explanations of conformity AO1

• Deutsch & Gerard (1955) developed two main explanations 


  Informational social influence Normative social influence
• Informational social influence

  ▪ This occurs when we look to the

  majority group for information as we

  are unsure about the way in which to

  behave.

  ▪ A person will conform because they

  genuinely believe the majority to be

  right so look to them for the right

  answer.
• Normative social influence

  ▪ This occurs when we wish to

  be liked by the majority

  group, we go along with

  them even though we may

  not agree with them.

  ▪ This is just following the crowd

  to fit in with the ‘norm’ and be

  liked by the group.