Explanations for conformity

• Normative Social Influence

  motivated to conform as they have the desire to be liked and people conform to seek acceptance from the group and want to avoid social rejection. Individuals change their public behaviour in the presence of the group, their private beliefs remain unchanged and leads to compliance.
• Informational social influence

  motivated to conform as they have the desire to be right. If your in an ambiguous situation, we rely on opinions of others and how they behave which leads to internalisation.
• Evaluation 


  +research support for NSI- Asch's line study. The task was really simple and PP still conformed to the incorrect answer given by the group to avoid social rejection.

  -NSI and ISI work together: both are usually involved so hard to determine which one is at work.

  -Individual differences: not everyone is concerned about being liked. People who are less bothered about being liked will be less affected by NSI and more affected by ISI.