Conformity (Types and explanations)

• What are the outcomes for the study on conformity?

  • Explain why individuals conform in society
  • Identify different types of conformity
  • Explain why people conform, relating to NSI and ISI
  • Evaluate explanations of conformity
  • Become familiar with key terminology and counterarguments
• What is the success criteria for explaining why individuals conform?

  D-C
• What is the success criteria for evaluating explanations of conformity?

  A*
• What is the definition of conformity according to Aronson (2011)?

  A change in behavior due to pressure
• What are the types of conformity?

  • Compliance
  • Identification
  • Internalisation
• What is compliance in terms of conformity?

  Superficial change without private opinion change
• What is identification in terms of conformity?

  Change in behavior and opinion for group relationship
• What is internalisation in terms of conformity?

  Permanent change in behavior and beliefs
• What are the two main reasons people conform according to Deutsch & Gerard (1955)?

  • Informational social influence (ISI)
  • Normative social influence (NSI)
• What is informational social influence (ISI)?

  The need to be right and accept majority
• When does ISI most likely occur?

  In new or ambiguous situations
• What is normative social influence (NSI)?

  The need for social approval and acceptance
• When does NSI most likely occur?

  In situations with strangers or friends
• How do ISI and NSI relate to the types of conformity?

  • Compliance - NSI
  • Identification - NSI
  • Internalisation - ISI