social influence LT2 conformity

internalisation

A deep type of conformity where we take on the majority view because we accept it as correct.

Results in a permanent private and public change in behaviour as attitudes have been internalised.

compliance

A superficial and temporary type of conformity where we outwardly go along with the majority view but privately disagree.

No private change of personal opinions or behavior as the opinion stops when group pressure stops.

Deutch and gerald (1955)

developed two process theory for reasons for conformity (NSI and ISI)

ISI

informational social influence - the need to be right

what is informational social influence?

cognitive or emotional?

why do people follow the group's opinions?

where we agree with the majority because we believe it as correct.

cognitive process.

they have a need to be right and want to group to be right.

when is ISI common?

new situations, ambiguous situations, crisis situations where quick decisions are needed, situations where there is an expert present

ISI - supporting evidence

Lucas et al (2006) - asked students to give answers to maths questions and found there was more conformity to wrong answers.

what does Lucas et al show and how does this support ISI

Shows people conform when they don't know the answer because they look to others and assume they know more.

ISI - limitation

does not account for individual differences in conformity levels so lacks validity

ISI - limitation evidence

Perrin and Spencer (1980) - repeated asch's study with enginerring students and found only 1 conformed. Shows people with more confidence are less likely to conform

NSI

normative social influence - the need to be liked

what is normative social influence?

cognitive or emotional?

why do people follow the group's opinions?

where people prefer to gain social approval rather than be rejected.

emotional.

as we fear being isolated and want to be part of the group

when is NSI common?

situations with strangers where rejection is feared, situations with people we know well and are concerned about social approval, stressful situations where social support is needed

NSI - supporting evidence

Asch (1951) - asked his pps why they conformed and many reported feeling self concious and were afraid of dissaproval.

what does Asch show and how does this support NSI

He repeated his study but asked pps to write their answer down and found conformity fell to 12.5%. Shows we are regulating our behaviour based on those around us

NSI - limitation

does not explain individual differences in levels of conformity as nAffiliators are more likely to be affected by NSI, so theory lacks credibility

nAffiliators

people who have greater need for social relationships

NSI - limitation evidence

McGhee and Teevan (1967) found students who were nAffiliators were more likely to conform

why is Deutch and Gerrad's two process theary oversimplified?

ISI and NSI are not complete explanations of why people conform - levels of conformity are shaped by dispositional factors and social roles. Those with an external locus of control are more likely to conform