Conformity: types & explanations - CONDENSED

Types of conformity

Internalisation, identification, compliance

Explanations for conformity

Informational social influence (ISI), normative social influence (NSI)

Internalisation

Deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct - leads to a far reaching & permanent change in behaviour, even when the group is absent

Identification

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

Compliance

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

Informational social influence (ISI)

We agree with the opinion of the majority because we believe it is correct and we accept it as we want to be correct as well - may lead to internalisation

Normative social influence (NSI)

We agree with the opinion of the majority because we want to gain social approval and be liked - may lead to compliance