discuss explanations of conformity

• introduction

  • conformity - change behaviour, attitudes or beliefs to fit in
  • Deutsch & Gerard: normative and informational
• A01

  • Normative Social Influence - gain social approval, avoid rejection, driven by emotions, linked to compliance
  • Informational Social Influence - belief that others have more knowledge, driven by cognitions, linked to internalisation
  • work together rather than separately
• A03

  • research support
  • Asch found 37% conformed to avoid disapproval (normative)
  • research support
  • Sherif found conformity increased when uncertain (informational)
  • NSI & ISI not separate
  • Asch found conformity occured due to fear of rejection and doubting judgement, oversimplification