Conformity explanations (1)

Internalisation

A deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct. Leads to a permanent change in behaviour even when group is absent

Identification

A moderate type of conformity where we act in the same way with the group because we value it and want to be a part of it. But we don’t necessarily agree with everything the majority believes

Compliance

temporary type of conformity where we go along with the majority of view, but privately disagreeing with it. The change in behaviour only lasts as long as the group is monitoring us

Informational social influence

An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct. May lead to internalisation. Most likely to happen in situations that are new to a person, ambiguous situations, crisis situations or situation where one or a group is an expert

Normative social influence

An explanation of conformity that says we agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to be accepted, gain social approval and be liked. This may lead to compliance. Happens when concerned about rejection

Research support for ISI

Lucas et al. 2006) asked students to give answers to mathematical problems that were easy or more difficult. There was greater conformity to incorrect answers when they were difficult rather than when they were easier ones. This was most true for students who rated their mathematical ability as poor.

The study shows that people conform in situations where they feel they don't know the answer, which is exactly the outcome predicted by the ISI explanation. We look to other people and assume they know better than us and must be right.

Research support for NSI

In Asch’s (1951) famous line study, many participants went along with the clearly wrong answer given by confederates. When interviewed afterward, many participants stated they felt self-conscious and afraid of disapproval. Furthermore, when Asch repeated the study but allowed participants to write down their answers privately, conformity rates dropped to 12.5%.

Limitation - Oversimplification

The idea that conformity is either ISI or NSI is a false. in reality, both processes usually operate together. For instance, conformity is reduced when there is one other dissenting participant in the Asch experiment. This dissenter may reduce the power of NSI (by providing social support) or reduce the power of ISI (by providing an alternative source of information).

Limitation - Distinguishing

In real-world observation, it is incredibly difficult to distinguish between compliance and internalization. For example, if someone conforms in public but appears to maintain that belief in private, it is assumed they have experienced internalization. However, they may just be practicing compliance very effectively because they expect to be monitored by the group long-term, or they may have forgotten their original view temporarily.