explanations for conformity

What are the two explanations for conformity?

Normative social influence (NSI) - following the norm due to fear of rejection and need to be accepted

Informational social influence (ISI) - need to know what to do due to lack of knowledge or fear of being wrong.

What is normative social influence?

Conformed to be liked or avoid rejection by a group.

Often means changing beliefs/behaviour publicly not privately.

Give two examples of Normative Social Influence (NSI)

• Me wearing fake glasses to fit in with the gang and be part of the gang

• Saying I’m not a freak cause the group hates it even tho I secretly enjoy being a freak

When is normative social influence (NSI) most likely to happen?

When your beliefs/behaviour don’t match the groups and you want to fit in.

Which types of Conformity does Normative Social Influence (NSI) link to?

Compliance and sometimes identification

Is Normative Social Influence (NSI) emotional or cognitive?

Emotional - based on wanting to be liked

What is informational social influence(ISI)?

Conforming because you don’t know what to do and believe the group has the right answer.

Give two examples of informational social influence (ISI).

• Copying how others believe on your first day at work

• Agreeing with the class in econ because you dont Know what the fuck is going on something. But hey we move.

When is informational Social influence (ISI) most likely to happen?

In a new, ambitious pr crisis situation where quick decisions are needed.

Which type is conformity informational social influence (ISI) links to?

Internalisation

Is informational social influence (ISI) emotional or cognitive?

Cognitive - based on information processing.

Research support for informational social influence (ISI).

participants estimated how many beans were in a jar alone.Then they discussed in a group and gave a group answer Finally they estimated again alone to see if their guesses changed.Most changed their final estimate loser to the groups estimate.

This shows in an ambiguous situation, people look to others for guidance. This is called informational social influence links (ISI) and often leads to internalisation - changing behaviour and private beliefs to match the group.

Research support of Normative Social Influence (NSI)

Participants compared line lengths in a group with confederates. On certain trials, the confederates deliberately gave the wrong answer. Many participants gave the same wrong answer as the group, even though it was obviously incorrect.

This shows people sometimes conform to fit in and avoid rejection. This is called normative social influence (NSI) and is linked to compliance.