Types of Conformity

• Conformity: 'Changes' in individuals' behaviours and/or beliefs (1) because of real or imagined group pressure (1)
• Compliance: Most superficial and least permanent change in attitude. (1) Individuals publicly change their beliefs and behaviours to be in line with a group and fit in, but in private revert back to their original beliefs when the group pressure stops. (1) They may not agree with what the group is doing. Compliance is linked to NSI. (1)
• Identification: Stronger type of conformity, involving possible private (but temporary) as well as public acceptance. (1) Individuals look to a group for guidance and adjust their behaviour and beliefs to those of a group because membership is desirable and they take on a role within the group. (1) It involves elements of both compliance and internalisation. When the group is no longer seen as valuable, behaviour may revert back. (1)
• Internalisation: The deepest and most permanent change in attitude. (1) Individuals publicly and privately change their behaviours and beliefs to be in line with a group because we accept their attitudes into our cognitions. (1) The behaviour lasts when the majority is no longer present. Internalisation is linked to ISI. (1)