Explanations of Conformity

    Cards (7)

    • Deutsch and Gerald (1955): Two Process Theory
    • Two Process Theory:
      • Based on 2 central human needs- to be correct and to be liked
    • Types of influence in the two process theory:
      • Normative Social Influence (NSI)
      • Informational Social Influence (ISI)
    • Normative Social Influence
      • Occurs when an individual conforms to gain approval and acceptance
      • Group is perceived to give rewards and punishment
      • Person believes they are under surveillance by the group
      • Public, not private
    • Informational Social Influence
      • Individuals look for conformation about information or behaviours from others
      • Usually in unfamiliar situations
      • Argued that conformity happens both publicly and privately
      • Evolutionary basis
    • Cognitive dissonance: Festinger (1957)
    • Cognitive dissonance:
      • When we hold two opposing views, we get more anxious
      • We find this unpleasant and difficult to cope with
      • The best way to get rid of the anxiety is to remove one point of view and adopt just one, which is usually shared by others.