What is conformity?
Changing opinion or behavior due to perceived pressure from a group
Conformity occurs when individuals adjust their beliefs or actions to align with group norms.
Define group norms.
Behaviors and beliefs considered normal within a group
Group norms guide individual behavior and influence conformity.
Why do individuals conform to group norms according to Normative Social Influence?
- To be liked by other group members
- To avoid rejection
The desire for social acceptance often drives conformity.
What is the emotional aspect of social influence?
It is how you feel in response to social pressures
Social influence can evoke strong emotional responses, especially in stressful situations.
What is the relationship between stress and the need for social support?
Greater need for social support in stressful situations
Emotional processes are heightened under stress, leading to increased reliance on social support.
What does ISI stand for?
Informational Social Influence
ISI is about conforming to what others think is right or wrong.
ISI is most likely to occur in situations that are _______ or _______.
new; ambiguous
These situations create uncertainty, leading individuals to conform.
One example of NSI is when a person who is interested in maths conforms to their peers who say they hate it. This illustrates the concept of _______.
conformity
The individual changes their opinion to fit in with the group.
What are the strengths of conformity in practical applications?
- Useful in workplaces
- Useful in schools
Conformity can help maintain order and cohesion in group settings.
Who is an example of someone who may confederate in a study?
An actor or someone playing a role
Confederates are used to manipulate social situations in research.
Research by Asch provided evidence of NSI when participants stated they conformed because _______.
other people were doing so
This increases the validity of the explanation for conformity.
What does NSI stand for in the context of social influence?
Normative Social Influence
NSI refers to the influence of other people that leads us to conform in order to be liked and accepted.
What does ISI stand for in the context of social influence?
Informational Social Influence
ISI occurs when individuals conform because they want to be correct and look to others for information.
True or false: NSI and ISI are completely separate concepts.
FALSE
In everyday situations, there is often an element of both NSI and ISI present.
What is the effect of having another person who disagrees with the group on your likelihood to conform?
You are less likely to conform
The presence of dissenting opinions can reduce conformity pressure.
Define conformity.
Changing opinion or behavior due to pressure from another group or person
Conformity can occur in various social situations.
What is an example of informational social influence?
Asking a partner for the answer to a question when unsure
This demonstrates seeking guidance from others to ensure correctness.
What are the three types of conformity according to Kelman (1958)?
- Compliance
- Identification
- Internalization
These types describe different ways individuals may conform to group norms.
What is compliance in the context of conformity?
Going along with the group in public but privately disagreeing
This reflects a superficial change in behavior without internal acceptance.
What is identification in the context of conformity?
Adjusting behavior and opinions to those of a desirable group
This involves both public and private change but is often temporary.
What type of change does internalization refer to?
Private and public change that is maintained
This occurs when individuals adopt the beliefs or behaviors of a group as their own.
