factors affecting conformity

Question 1

key factors influencing conformity

Answer 1

• group size - whether the groups members are unanimous in their view
• unanimity
• high group cohesion
• perceived higher status of the group

Question 2

group size

Answer 2

• a group size of 15 and higher produces lower conformity, as does a small group of 3 and less
• between this was the highest conformity rates.

Question 3

unanimity

Answer 3

• the complete agreement of the groups members on the answer
• this can be significantly affected by just the disagreement of one conformist in the group

Question 4

informational influence

Answer 4

• occurring when conformity results in from a need for direction and information on how to respond in a specific situation
• information influence leads people to accept others views when they are uncertain about what to do

Question 5

normative influence

Answer 5

• to conform occurs when our response in a group situation is guided by one or more social norms
• this can be partly explained by a desire to be like and accepted by others, also our concern towards rejection

Question 6

social norms

Answer 6

a group’s expectations regarding what is appropriate and acceptable for its members’ attitudes and behaviors

Question 7

culture

Answer 7

the collective beliefs, customs, and behaviors of a group

Question 8

bond + smith research

Answer 8

examined the results of 133 results of the ‘ASCH-TYPE’ experiments, which had been conducted in 17 different countries, all found differences in conformity
HIGH OCCURING CONFORMISM: Africa, Fiji, Asia
LOW OCCURING CONFORMISM: America, Western Europe

Question 9

individualist cultures

Answer 9

being an individual and independent is valued and encouraged and achieving personal goals is considered to be more important than achieving group goals

Question 10

collectivist cultures

Answer 10

achieving group goals is considered to be more important than the achievement of individual goals, and sometimes expected to place group goals ahead of their personal goals. these cultures encourage uniformity

Question 11

anonymity in a group

Answer 11

• in groups when people feel anonymous or ‘invisible’, and less accountable for their actions, they may choose to conform to a group which is behaving in ways they otherwise would not
• being part of a large crowd or being unrecognizable through some sort of disguise, such as a uniform or fancy dress, can lead people to conform to a group