1. Conformity - Types + Explanations

• 1. Conformity - Types + Explanations

  Kelman (1958), 3 ways people conform.

  Compliance.

  Identification.

  Internalisation.
• 2. Conformity - Types + Explanations

  Deutsch + Gerard (1955).

  Informational Social Influence (ISI) - follow group to be right; strange/new situations.

  Normative Social Influence (NSI) - follow group to not appear foolish/gain approval; social support situations.
• Conformity - Types + Explanations (Evaluation)

  Strength:

  P - NSI, evidence supports as explanation of conformity.

  E - Asch (1951), some conformed bc self-conscious giving correct answer; afraid of disapproval.

  E - when answers written, conformity fell to 12.5% (no normative group pressure).

  L - conformity due to need of not being rejected by group for disagreeing (NSI).
• Conformity - Types + Explanations (Evaluation)

  Strength:

  P - ISI, evidence support as explanation of conformity.

  E - Lucas et al. (2006), conformed more to incorrect answers when maths difficult.

  E - when easy, certain; when ambiguous, didn’t want be wrong so relied on given answers.

  L - ISI valid explanation of conformity.
• Conformity - Types + Explanations (Evaluation)

  Limitation:

  P - unclear whether NSI/ISI at work in studies/IRL.

  E - Asch (1955), conformity reduced when dissenter.

  E - reduces NSI (social support) + reduces ISI (alternative source of info).

  L - hard separate both processes as likely operate together IRL.
• Conformity - Types + Explanations (Evaluation)

  Limitation:

  P - NSI doesn’t predict conformity in every case.

  E - people concerned w/ being liked (‘ nAffiliators’).

  E - McGhee + Teevan (1967), students who were nAffiliators more likely conform.

  L - NSI underlines conformity for some more than others; individual differences in conformity can’t be explained by one theory of situational pressures (personality must be taken into account).