Conformity: Asch

• What is a commonly accepted definition of conformity?

  A change in behavior or belief due to group pressure
• Why do people often conform to group behavior?

  To avoid disapproval or punishment from others
• In what situation might someone conform to fit in with strangers?

  When pressured to give a wrong answer
• What are the three types of conformity according to Helman?

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

  Changing behavior to avoid disapproval from others
• What motivates compliance in individuals?

  The desire to get a positive reaction from others
• How does compliance differ from internalization?

  Compliance is superficial; internalization is deep
• What is identification in terms of conformity?

  Aligning with a group to strengthen social identity
• How might someone show identification in a social group?

  By adopting the group's music preferences
• What is internalization in conformity?

  Adopting group beliefs as one's own
• What drives the motivation behind internalization?

  The desire for correctness and moral alignment
• What are the two explanations for conformity?

  Informational social influence and normative social influence
• What does normative social influence suggest?

  People conform to avoid social rejection
• How does informational social influence affect decision-making?

  Individuals look to the group for guidance
• How did Ash's study demonstrate conformity?

  Participants conformed to incorrect answers given by Confederates
• What was the mean conformity rate in Ash's study?

  32%
• What effect did increasing the number of Confederates have on conformity?

  Conformity increased with more Confederates
• What happened in Ash's unanimity variation?

  A Confederate gave the correct answer, reducing conformity
• How did task difficulty affect conformity in Ash's study?

  Increased difficulty led to higher conformity rates
• What is a criticism of Ash's study regarding its generalizability?

  It may not apply to modern society
• What did Bond's meta-analysis reveal about conformity across cultures?

  Collectivist societies are more conformist than individualistic ones
• What is a potential issue with Ash's task in terms of realism?

  It lacks mundane realism
• How can situational factors influence conformity?

  They can affect how individuals respond to group pressure
• What is a dispositional explanation for conformity?

  Personality traits that influence conformity likelihood
• What is the role of an internal locus of control in conformity?

  People feel responsible for their actions
• Why is it difficult to determine the motivations behind conformity?

  Participants may not be aware of their motivations
• What is the significance of Ash's study in understanding conformity?

  It provides evidence for normative social influence
• What are the key features of normative social influence (NSI)?

  • Driven by the need for social acceptance
  • Results in compliance
  • Emotionally driven to avoid rejection
• What are the key features of informational social influence (ISI)?

  • Driven by the desire to make correct choices
  • Occurs in ambiguous situations
  • Individuals look to others for guidance